Issue - meetings

- report to be presented by Lesley Gaunt, Furnished Homes Team Leader

Lesley Gaunt, Furnished Homes Team Leader, presented a progress report on the furnished Homes Scheme outlining the critical success factors, funding (including income and expenditure), customer satisfaction and operational aspects.

The Scheme was introduced in May, 2004, with a target to establish a one-stop furnishing service and to introduce 100 units by 31^st March, 2005.  In fact, a total of 106 furnished homes were introduced.  A further target was set to introduce a further 100 units during the 2005/06 financial year; 42 units had been introduced as at 12^th August, 2005.

The following points were highlighted:-

-              A Furnished Service Standards leaflet had been developed and approved by the Learning from Tenants Forum Group.

-              5 furniture suppliers were used during the 2004/05 financial year to compare for value for money, quality and service delivery.  The 2005/06 Furnished Homes Scheme had gone out to tender.  Currently 6 companies had completed a pre-tender questionnaire.

-              The method of providing funding for decoration of furnished had changed and had enabled each of the furnished charges to be reduced by at least £9.  The charges now ranged from £14.60 for a 1 bedroom part-furnished to £38.27 for a 3 bedroom fully furnished property.

-              Inventory checks showed that overall customers were caring for and looking after the furniture provided and had pride in their home.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Furnished Home Scheme be monitored to ensure that the operation of the Scheme has robust systems to improve performance and that the Scheme is transparent and fair.

(2)  That a progress report be submitted after a further 6 months in operation.