| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| SH 13/016 |
Declarations of interest. |
There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct. However Councillor N Heslop 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 13/017 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Strategic Housing Advisory Board held on 25 February 2013 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| SH 13/018 |
Glossary for Strategic Housing Advisory Board |
The Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health submitted a glossary of terms used within the reports to the Advisory Board. |
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| SH 13/019 |
Review of the Housing Allocations Scheme |
The joint report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health and the Cabinet Member for Housing reminded Members that, under Part VI of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Localism Act 2011) the Council had a duty to produce a housing allocation scheme which explained how affordable housing was allocated to those in housing need. Further to Decision No. D130015MEM details of the outcome of the consultation with the Private Registered Providers were set out at Annex 1 to the report with the revised scheme set out at Annex 2. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the revised Housing Allocations Scheme be endorsed and be implemented from September 2013; and (2) the implementation programme for the review and update of applicants for housing in accordance with the housing allocation scheme, as set out at section 1.3 of the report, and including the suspension of existing applicants who do not meet the additional qualification criteria, be approved. *Referred to Cabinet |
| SH 13/020 |
Home Improvement Agency Decision Notice D130052MEM |
Consideration was given to whether any financial contribution should be made by the Borough Council to ‘In Touch' for the delivery of the Home Improvement Agency service. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the proposal that a fee of 12 per cent be payable to ‘In Touch' in respect of Disabled Facilities Grant work be approved; and (2) authority be delegated to the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health to formalise this arrangement with ‘In Touch'. |
| SH 13/021 |
Housing Ombudsman Service Decision Notice D130053MEM |
The report advised that as from 1 April 2013 the Housing Ombudsman would deal with all complaints about social landlords and that councillors, tenant panels and MPs had an involvement in a ‘designated persons' capacity. The role of the ‘designated person' and the implications for local Members was also explored. Concern was expressed that there should be a protocol and procedure for Members to follow when acting as 'designated persons'. RECOMMENDED: That the proposals set out at section 1.3 of the report for ensuring that local Members could effectively engage as designated persons be approved. |
| SH 13/022 |
Housing Strategy 2013-2016 Decision Notice D130054MEM |
The report presented an Action Plan to cover the first year of the new Housing Strategy 2013-16 which had been approved by Council on 16 April 2013. RECOMMENDED: That the Action Plan, attached at Annex 1 to the report, be approved. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| SH 13/023 |
Housing Strategy 2009-2012 |
The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health summarised progress against the objectives contained in the Housing Strategy Action Plan for the 2009-2012 Housing Strategy. |
| SH 13/024 |
Housing Needs Update |
The report provided an update on the activity of the Housing Options team. It was noted that the number of households seeking advice and/or applying for social rented accommodation remained at a significant level particularly as a result of the economic downturn. |
| SH 13/025 |
Private Sector Housing Update |
The report provided updates on Disabled Facilities Grant activity in 2012/13; Housing Assistance expenditure in 2012/13; the Landlord Forum held on 20 March 2013; the development of the Housing "Mind the Gap" action plan; the Energy Company Obligation and Green Deal; and progress with the Private Sector Stock Condition Survey. |
| SH 13/026 |
Strategy and Enabling Update |
Members were updated on the progress being made by the Council's Registered Provider Partners in providing new affordable housing in the Borough and the report summarised the programmes for 2011/12 to 2014/15. Details of progress on housing strategy matters were set out in the report. |
| SH 13/027 |
External Consultations |
The report provided details of external consultations responded to since the date of the last meeting of the Advisory Board. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| SH 13/028 |
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 13/029 |
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 25 February 2013. |