| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| SH 11/033 |
Declarations of interest. |
Councillor Mrs Luck declared a personal interest in any items with implications for her position as a private landlord of a house in multiple occupation and a flat. Councillor Heslop declared a personal interest in any items that might have implications for the Bridge Trust on the grounds that he was a member of its Board. |
| SH 11/034 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Strategic Housing Advisory Board held on 7 June 2011 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| SH 11/035 |
Presentation on the Hero Project by Mr Stephen Walker - Moat Housing |
Members received a presentation on the HERO Project from Mr Stephen Walker, Area Business Manager, at Moat Housing who explained that the scheme tackled unemployment in West Kent by offering practical advice and assistance on a range of work related options. These included guidance on training and re-skilling and appropriate signposting to external agencies. The service was provided by the HERO Officer (Mike Williams) who offered one to one support with follow up meetings as appropriate. Currently, Moat Housing funded the service for one day per week and it was available to their residents in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells. The service had been promoted via local surgeries, taking a mobile office out to specific neighbourhoods and holding an extensive job fair. The service would be taken to all neighbourhoods in the area over the next 12 months, with it being promoted to 'priority' neighbourhoods first. |
| SH 11/036 |
Glossary |
The Director of Health and Housing submitted a glossary of terms used within the reports to the Advisory Board. |
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| SH 11/037 |
Amendment to Housing Assistance Policy Decision Notice D110144MEM |
The joint report of the Director of Health and Housing and Cabinet Member for Housing proposed a review of the existing Housing Assistance Policy to reflect the slow progress with the development of the Decent Homes/Energy Efficiency Loan product and the development of an external wall insulation scheme with British Gas as a partner. Members supported the initiative in principle, particularly widening the service to registered social landlords. It was requested that all Members and other interested parties be provided with, as soon as possible, a brief but comprehensive list of where assistance on energy saving initiatives could be found. In addition, information on these initiatives and grants available for residents should be promoted on the Borough Council's website. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the Director of Health and Housing, in consultation with the Chief Solicitor, be authorised to investigate the development of a scheme with British Gas to help householders fund the installation of external wall insulation works; and (2) the Director of Health and Housing, in consultation with the Director of Finance, be requested to investigate how the Housing Assistance Policy might be further developed in the light of the delay with the South Coast Moneyline Loan Scheme. |
| SH 11/038 |
Common Housing Assessment Framework Decision Notice D110145MEM |
The Director of Health and Housing provided an update on the progress of the Common Housing Assessment (CHA) framework for housing allocations throughout the Kent Homechoice partnership. It was noted that the adoption of the proposed CHA as drafted would not achieve the original aim of simplifying the assessment process and reducing administration costs. In addition, Members expressed concern regarding the benefits for Tonbridge and Malling in adopting the scheme and the proposal to increase the age for children of the same sex to share a bedroom. RECOMMENDED: That the Common Housing Assessment Framework as currently drafted be not adopted. |
| SH 11/039 |
Housing Strategy 2012 Decision Notice D110146MEM |
The progress made towards achieving the objectives set out in the Housing Strategy Action Plan 2012 approved by the Advisory Board in November 2010 were summarised. In addition, it was recognised that the Housing Strategy was due for review during 2012 and it was proposed that this be deferred until after the enactment of the Localism Bill and the publication of the Government's Housing Strategy scheduled from autumn 2011. Members commended Housing Services for their continued achievement of the housing objectives. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the progress update, set out at Annex 1 to the report, be noted; (2) the approach proposed at section 1.2 of the report with regard to the development of the 2012 Housing Strategy be endorsed; and (3) the interim housing strategy action plan, attached at Annex 2 to the report, be endorsed. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| SH 11/040 |
Private Sector Housing Update |
Updates were provided on the waiting times/list for children's Occupational Therapy assessments and the significantly improved position was noted. In addition, Members welcomed confirmation that the local OT had been retained by the Kent County Council and continued to work in the Tonbridge and Malling area. Particular reference was made to the Home Improvement Agency service contracts and Members were assured that the day to day operation in Tonbridge and Malling in providing a vital service to vulnerable residents was not affected and continued to be delivered. The minutes of the Mid and West Kent HIA Advisory Group, attached at Annex 1 to the report, were reviewed with Members raising minor points of concern related to VAT, overcrowding protocol and funding issues. These were addressed by officers at the meeting. Finally, Members asked that an information report be presented to a future meeting of the Advisory Board setting out the key priorities of the Home Improvement Agency, particularly if a change of service provider occurred. |
| SH 11/041 |
Housing Needs Update |
The report provided updates on the activity of the Housing Options and Housing Register Services. |
| SH 11/042 |
Strategy and Enabling Update |
Members received the report of the Director of Health and Housing which updated on the progress being made by the Council's Registered Provider Partners in providing new affordable housing in the Borough and summarised the programmes for 2010/11 to 2013/14. Details of progress on housing strategy matters were also described. |
| SH 11/043 |
External Consultations |
The report set out details of the responses submitted regarding external consultations since the last meeting of the Advisory Board. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| SH 11/044 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
The Chairman moved, it was seconded and RESOLVED: That as public discussion would disclose exempt information, the following matter be considered in private. |
| PART 2 - PRIVATE | ||
| SH 11/045 |
Service of Statutory Notices (Reason: LGA 1972 - Sch 12A Paragraph 3 - Financial or business affairs of any particular person) |
Members noted the statutory notice served since the last meeting of the Advisory Board on 7 June 2011. |