Agenda and minutes

The Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services reported on the development of an Anti-Social Behaviour Performance Management Framework that was to be shared by the Council and partners in accordance with the performance indicators contained within the RESPECT Standard for Housing Management: A Performance Improvement Toolkit for Landlords.

The Framework would set out a method of delivering shared meaningful indicators that were both effective and demonstrated impact in accordance with national, local and public priorities across all tenures.

Nationally, the Government had sought through the RESPECT Standard to put into effect a method for social landlords to performance manage issues relating to anti-social behaviour.  The Standard sought to capture impact lead outcomes whilst addressing perceptions.  It outlined the core components essential to delivering an effective response to anti-social behaviour and building stronger communities, such as accountability, leadership, giving greater resident empowerment and supporting community efforts at tackling anti-social behaviour.

The Government would be encouraging residents to become engaged and hold their landlord to account.  The Audit Commission was also looking to strengthen their guidelines to landlords on what they expected a good landlord to be achieving in tackling anti-social behaviour.  Consequently, the Standard would have a major impact on the capacity of 2010 Rotherham Ltd. to deliver against expectations to address anti-social behaviour. 

Discussion ensued with the following issues highlighted:-

-              Each partner would be responsible for ensuring their respective IT systems were fit for purpose

-              Training had already started for existing staff

-              Work was taking place with the Police on changing peoples’ perception of crime.  Also Councillors could relate positive information through Councillor surgeries, Area Assemblies and Rotherham News

Resolved:-  (1)  That the development of the joint Anti-Social Behaviour Performance Framework be welcomed.

(2)  That the proposed joint Anti-Social Behaviour Performance Management Framework outlined in the report be supported.

(3)  That a further report be submitted in May, 2009, to indicate progress in delivery of the Joint Anti-Social Behaviour Performance Framework and presentation of current performance.

(4)  That formal commitment be sought from South Yorkshire Police and 2010 Rotherham Ltd. to the performance management framework, standards and annually agreed targets.

The following item is likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council)).

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council)).

In accordance with Minute No. 289 of 30^th April, 2007, the Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services submitted a review of non-traditional stock at Rawmarsh together with a rationale for investment in the Council-owned non-traditional Wimpey Myton type homes in that area.

Rawmarsh had 122 non-traditional Wimpey Myton properties consisting of 84 Council-owned and 38 owner-occupied dwellings.  The Borough-wide non-traditional stock appraisal and subsequent condition reports identified the properties as non-traditional construction but not defective by design.

Consultation had commenced in October, 2007, by way of public meetings, drop-in sessions, fact sheets and a postal survey.  Ward Members had been engaged in the review and consultation process.

Only 110 Council properties had become available for let in the Rawmarsh area from April, 2007 to May, 2008.  If the Council was to pursue the option of disinvestment and opted for demolition, 122 households would have to be found alternative accommodation.

Based upon the appraisal undertaken the preferred option was retention and investment.  

Resolved:-  (1)  That structural investment in the Wimpey Myton properties at Rawmarsh be approved subject to funding being secured.

(2)  That repairs exceeding £20,000 to void properties be approved to facilitate re-letting.

(3)  That Decent Homes works be approved and programmed prior to structural work being carried out.