Agenda and draft minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 16 October were approved a true record and were signed by the Chairman.

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.

The report of the Executive Manager – Communities is attached.

The Principal Community Development Officer presented the report of the Executive Manager – Communities which provided the Group with an opportunity to review the partnership and service level agreement with the Trent Bridge Community Trust. It was noted that in June 2016, Cabinet supported the extension of the Positive Futures programme from January 2017 to December 2020 at the cost of £110,000 per annum and that in January 2018 Cabinet supported the delivery of the YouNG Project at a cost of £82,000 per annum which focused on employability, work experience and YouNG Markets which took place throughout the Borough.

The Community Projects Manager, the Senior Youth Project Officer and the YouNG Project Officer represented the Trent Bridge Community Trust and delivered a presentation to the Group on performance covering the period 2017/18 period. The presentation included:

Following the presentation members of the Group suggested that the Trust could attempt to re-engage with Brookside Primary School in East Leake and that the Service Level Agreement be amended to include the village of Ruddington. The Principal Community Development Officer and the Community Projects Manager agreed to take these suggestions into consideration.

The Group also asked questions regarding confidentiality. The Senior Youth Project Officer clarified that young people had to sign an agreement before any mentoring took place which would allow the officers to contact specialist services if required. The Senior Youth Project Officer also noted that the Trust were keen to set up a strategic group that consisted of professionals such as social workers and head teachers.

The Senior Youth Project Officer advised the Group that young people referred to the Trent Bridge Community Trust were initially given a needs assessment and then six week programme for mentoring or participating in sports activities. It was also clarified that the targets set as outlined in the presentation were based on performance from 2016/17.

The Group praised the YouNG Project and the Ready4Work element of the Trent Bridge Community Trust. The Chairman thanked the officers for delivering their presentation and for answering the Group’s questions.

It was RESOLVED that

a)    The report of the Executive Manager – Communities be noted.

b)    Trent Bridge Community Trust attempt to re-engage with Brookside Primary School in East Leake

c)    Consideration be given to the Service Level Agreements being extended to include the village of Ruddington.

d)    The work of the partnership be endorsed.

The report of the Executive Manager – Finance and Corporate Services is attached.

The Group considered its work programme.

It was RESOLVED that the Work Programme as detailed below be approved.

19 March 2018

·         South Notts Community Safety Partnership

·         Grantham Canal Partnership with the Canal River Trust

·         Work Programme