| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| SH 13/030 |
Declarations of interest. |
There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct. Councillor N Heslop referred to a potential interest in any items that might have implications for the Bridge Trust, particularly the West Kent Homelessness Strategy, on the grounds that he was a member of its Board. Councillor Trice referred to a potential interest in any items that might have implications for the West Kent Debt Advice Centre, particularly the West Kent Homelessness Strategy, due to his employment by that organisation. It was noted that neither of these interests represented a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and both Members remained in the meeting. |
| SH 13/031 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Strategic Housing Advisory Board held on 20 May 2013 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| SH 13/032 |
Glossary |
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 13/033 |
Deposit Bond/Rent Deposit Scheme Decision Notice D130087MEM |
The joint report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health and the Cabinet Member for Housing set out details of the current review of the Deposit Bond/Rent Deposit Scheme together with a revised procedure which reflected the changes to the way in which the Borough Council discharged its duty to homeless households by way of an offer of accommodation in the private rented sector. Details of the take-up of the Scheme following an earlier review in February 2011 were also set out. It was reported that the Scheme represented value for money and offered a good rate of return on investment. The position related to deposits, repayments and write-offs was also noted. Members welcomed the minor procedural changes and felt that the revised Scheme passed more responsibility to tenants. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the review of the Deposit Bond/Rent Deposit Scheme, as set out in Annex 1 to the report, be endorsed; and (2) it be noted that the scheme would be subject to a further review in two years time. |
| SH 13/034 |
West Kent Homelessness Strategy Decision Notice D130088MEM |
The joint report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health and the Cabinet Member for Housing set out the revised West Kent Homelessness Strategy Action Plan to cover the period from July 2013 to June 2016. Reference was made to the excellent supported accommodation scheme provided by Porchlight and Members were pleased to note that progress was ongoing, particularly regarding move-on accommodation. RECOMMENDED: That the West Kent Homelessness Strategy Action Plan 2013-2016, attached as Annex 1 to the report, be approved. |
| SH 13/035 |
Delivering Energy Company Obligation Initiatives in Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council Decision Notice D130089MEM |
Members considered the joint report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health and the Cabinet Member for Housing which provided details of how Energy Company Obligation funding would be delivered and managed within Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council to support the installation of energy efficiency measures in homes. It was reported that the initiative presented an opportunity to carry out large scale energy efficiency improvements to housing at no cost to the householder or the Borough Council. In response to concerns raised at the distribution of funding, officers remained confident that this would be delivered by Kent County Council. Members also recognised that an effective communication strategy would be an important aspect of the initiative and encouraged continuing dialogue with key partners and the placing of information on the Borough Council's website. RECOMMENDED: That the setting up of a delivery group to manage the roll out of Energy Company Obligation funding within Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, as detailed in the report, be endorsed. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| SH 13/036 |
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 significantly high level, particularly as a result of the economic downturn. It was also noted that the new housing allocations scheme was expected to go live on 1 October 2013. Particular reference was made to the successful reactive rough sleeper service offered by Porchlight, although it was emphasised that rough sleeping was not a significant problem in Tonbridge and Malling. |
| SH 13/037 |
Private Sector Housing Update |
The report provided updates on the Rural Warm Homes Initiative and the Kent Fire and Rescue Service empty properties. The report also informed of a new funding opportunity for tackling rogue landlords in the private rented stock. Members welcomed the progress being made to address the long term empty Kent Fire and Rescue Service properties located in Larkfield and Tonbridge. |
| SH 13/038 |
Strategy and Enabling Update |
Members were updated on the progress being made by the Borough Council's Registered Provider Partners in providing new affordable housing in the borough and the programmes for 2011/12 to 2014/15 were summarised. In addition, progress on housing strategy matters was also set out in the report Particular reference was made to the Coldharbour project and Members were pleased to see that a local lettings policy had been secured, giving priority to local needs and in particular Gypsy and Traveller families on unauthorised sites in the borough. It was also reported that although Tonbridge and Malling would have input into the nomination process the overall site management remained with Kent County Council and the current site managers. |
| SH 13/039 |
Review of the Homebuy Allocations Procedure |
Members were informed of the review of the Borough Council's Protocol with Moat for prioritising applicants for local low cost home ownership opportunities. The review was a required outcome of the Equality Impact Assessment of Strategic and Enabling function of the housing service. It was reported that the Protocol still had considerable value in ensuring that shared ownership homes within Tonbridge and Malling remained prioritised for applicants with a local connection to the borough. |
| SH 13/040 |
Framework for the Delivery of Older Persons Accommodation in Kent |
The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health alerted Members to the new Framework document 'Better Homes; housing for the third age' launched in March. It was noted that the aim of the Framework was to encourage a consistent and positive approach to the development of older people's accommodation across Kent and to the delivery of housing information, advice and guidance services for older people. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| SH 13/041 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
There were no items considered in private. |