| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| SH 12/040 |
Declarations of interest. |
There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct. However, Councillor Mrs Luck informed the Advisory Board of a potential interest in any items relating to tenants in receipt of housing benefit due to her position as a private landlord. Councillor Heslop also referred to a potential interest in any items that might have implications for the Bridge Trust on the grounds that he was a member of its Board. |
| SH 12/041 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Strategic Housing Advisory Board held on 16 July 2012 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| SH 12/042 |
Glossary for Strategic Housing Advisory Board |
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 12/043 |
Review of the Housing Allocation Scheme Decision Notice D120139MEM |
Further to Decision No D120096MEM, the joint report of the Director of Health and Housing and Cabinet Member for Housing set out three main aspects of the current housing allocation scheme which could be changed following implementation of the Localism Act 2011 to provide a simpler way of determining priority on the housing register. These included simplification of the assessment of priority and revision of the local connection and housing need qualifications. Consideration was given to proposed arrangements for drafting a revised housing allocation scheme incorporating such changes which would be subject to an equalities impact assessment prior to a period of public consultation. It was anticipated that the scheme, amended as necessary, would be reported back to the Advisory Board in May 2013. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the proposed changes to the housing allocation scheme be endorsed for the purposes of the Director of Health and Housing finalising the drafting of a revised scheme for public consultation in liaison with the Cabinet Member for Housing and the Chairman of the Strategic Housing Advisory Board; (2) the Director of Health and Housing be authorised to finalise the public consultation process in liaison with the Cabinet Member for Housing and the Chairman of the Strategic Housing Advisory Board; and (3) the timetable for the review of the housing allocation scheme set out in section 1.9 of the report be approved. |
| SH 12/044 |
Tenancy Strategy Decision Notice D120140MEM |
The joint report of the Director of Health and Housing and Cabinet Member for Housing indicated that the Localism Act 2011 allowed housing associations and local authorities greater flexibility in the types of tenancies they could offer and the rents that could be charged. The Act also placed a responsibility on each local authority to publish a Tenancy Strategy to which housing associations were required to have regard in implementing such changes. Consideration was given to a draft Tenancy Strategy to be issued for consultation with key partners and stakeholders. RECOMMENDED: That the draft Tenancy Strategy set out at Annex 1 to the report be endorsed for the purposes of consultation and the time scales proposed for finalising the document be approved. |
| SH 12/045 |
Private Sector Stock Condition Survey Decision Notice D120141MEM |
The joint report of the Director of Health and Housing and Cabinet Member for Housing gave details of a proposal to utilise a stock modelling service provided by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) for the next private sector stock condition survey and subsequent development of a private sector stock condition database. It was noted that the costs involved could be met from available budgets and a waiver from the requirements of the Contracts Procedure Rules had been obtained in order to proceed with the BRE. RECOMMENDED: That the use of the Building Research Establishment to undertake a stock modelling service and develop a private stock condition database be endorsed. |
| SH 12/046 |
Fire Safety Protocol Decision Notice D120142MEM |
The joint report of the Director of Health and Housing and Cabinet Member for Housing provided an update on the revised Kent protocol for fire safety in housing between the Kent local housing authorities and the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority. The importance of establishing local communication channels was acknowledged, including through the Landlords Forum. It was also agreed to remind registered providers of their obligations for the safety of vulnerable groups such as older people with disabilities. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the revised Kent fire safety in housing protocol between local housing authorities and the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority, as set out at Annex 1 to the report, be endorsed; and (2) the Director of Health and Housing be authorised to become a signatory to the protocol. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| SH 12/047 |
Private Sector Housing Update |
The Director of Health and Housing provided updates on a range of issues including the Home Improvement Agency Service contract, arrangements for Landlord Forums, free insulation schemes for residents, Private Sector Housing team customer feedback, new arrangements for reporting on energy efficiency work and a DCLG publication on "Dealing with Rogue Landlords". |
| SH 12/048 |
Housing Needs Update |
The Advisory Board was updated on the activity of the Housing Options and Housing Register services. |
| SH 12/049 |
Strategy and Enabling Update |
The report updated Members 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 2014/15. A capital plan post implementation form was presented in respect of the Coldharbour Gypsy and Traveller site. Progress was also reported on housing strategy matters. |
| SH 12/050 |
External Consultations |
The report set out details of the responses submitted in respect of external consultations since the last meeting of the Advisory Board. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| SH 12/051 |
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 | ||
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| SH 12/052 |
Service of Statutory Notices (Reason: LGA 1972 Sch 12A Para 3 - Financial or business affairs of any particular person) |
Details were given of statutory notices served since the last meeting of the Advisory Board on 16 July 2012. |