Issue - meetings

The report of the Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods is attached.

The Strategic Housing Manager presented the report of the Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods which requested that members of the Group reviewed the performance of the Council’s partnership with Platform Housing, (formerly Waterloo Housing) the second largest housing provider in Rushcliffe.

The Strategic Housing Manager noted that Platform Housing was the primary deliverer of rural affordable housing within the Borough and that since the partnership was last scrutinised in 2018 two additional rural exception sites had been identified in Gotham and Flintham. It was noted that the support of the Parish Council was required in order for a survey to take place to identify local housing need.  The Strategic Housing Manager also explained that the draft Local Plan Part 2 had made some Parish Councils reluctant to agree to approve a housing needs survey as these proposed sites had provision for affordable housing however, unlike rural exception site developments these allocations would meet Borough wide needs and not prioritise parish residents.

Jeff Plant – Assistant Director for Communities and Neighbourhoods attended the meeting and delivered a presentation to the Group regarding performance across key service areas since the partnership was last scrutinised. The presentation covered:

·         Introduction

·         Rents

·         Welfare Reform

·         Voluntary Right to Buy

·         Lettings

·         Independent Living

·         Developments

·         Stock Improvements and Responsive Repairs

·         Contact Centre

·         Complaints

·         Anti-Social Behaviour

·         Estate Management

Following the presentation Councillors asked several questions regarding how residents were able to find a home. Officers clarified that all properties were initially advertised through the Choice Based Lettings Scheme and then via Platform Housing. It was noted that five new dwellings were planned for 2019. It was also noted that there were over 500 residents on the housing register and that there was a higher demand for general needs accommodation. It was noted that in meeting housing needs regard would be had to customer aspirations for example, the provision of bungalows for older people, but this had to be considered as part of the overall scheme viability. For example, there was a high demand for bungalows but that developers would meet that demand by developing flats instead. The Assistant Director -  Communities and Neighbourhoods confirmed that a new Chief Executive was due to start in post later in the year and alongside the merger with Fortis Living, could present increased opportunities for more housing to be delivered within the Borough through S106 agreements.

It was also noted that if there was a case of a resident hoarding, Platform Housing would ensure that specialist agencies were made aware in order for the issue to be resolved. The Assistant Director for Communities and Neighbourhoods advised that Platform Housing would assist with the removal of items and cleaning, including ongoing support and monitoring. It was suggested that Platform Housing monitor if a resident was not having their bins emptied regularly which could help them identify any potential hoarding issues.

Following a question, the Assistant Director – Communities and Neighbourhoods clarified that services for cleaning and grounds maintenance were contracted externally. It was also noted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15