Agenda and minutes

Resolved:-  (1)  That the attendance of the Council on other Bodies be as follows:-

(2)                   That the Sustainable Communities Scrutiny Panel be requested to nominate representation to those indicated above.

(3)  That the Director of Independent Living and the Director of Housing and Neighbourhoods ensure that the Cabinet Member receives an annual report,  or briefing note as appropriate, on each of the above organisations.

The Landlords Relations Manager presented the submitted report which outlined the Key Performance Indicator year end results for the Housing and Neighbourhoods element of the Directorate. 

It was reported that of the Indicators managed by Housing and Neighbourhoods, for the second successive year, 9 (100%) of the KPIs achieved their target.  78% of the Indicators had improved from the previous year.

For the Indicators managed by 2010 Rotherham Ltd., 7 (78%) of the KPIs achieved their targets compared to 50% the previous year.  67% of the Indicators improved from last year.

The report drew attention to the following highlights:-

-        Private sector vacancies brought back into use or demolished (Neighbourhoods)

-        National Indicator 158% Non-Decent Council Housing (2010 Rotherham Ltd.)

-        National Indicator 155 Number of Affordable Homes delivered (Neighbourhoods)

-        National Indicator 156 Number of Households Living in Temporary Accommodation

-        Rental Indicators (2010 Rotherham Ltd.)

-        NM185 – Repairs Appointments made and kept

-        BV211a – Programmed/Responsive

-        Target Setting 2010/11

Attention was also drawn to the following:-

-                      reduction in void rent loss compared to last year.

-                      the potential for a “Short Notice” inspection, and actions already taken, and planned to deal with this eventuality.

-                      delivery of Decent Homes – monitoring of the programme to ensure delivery by December 2010.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the year end position and excellent performance results be noted.

(2)  That the provision of separate quarterly reports for Housing and Neighbourhoods and ALMO performance be approved.

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those paragraphs indicated below of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - (information relating to the financial/business affairs of any person (including the Council))

The Landlords’ Relations Manager presented 2010 Rotherham Ltd.’s Business Plan which was reported to its Board on 12^th May, 2010.

An Appendix attached to the report showed that, as a result of various savings initiatives (including the new operational model agreed by Cabinet Member on 7^th June, Minute No. 5 refers), the business plan for core services was now in balance.

However, reference was also made to the challenging financial position in respect of the Property Services trading account.  It was confirmed that considerable management action was being taken supported by the medium term financial strategy, to ensure that the company remained a viable business.

Resolved:-  That 2010 Rotherham Ltd.’s Business Plan, and current actions, be noted.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial/business affairs of any person (including the Council))

(Exempt under Paragraph 2 of the Act – information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual)

The Director of Independent Living presented the outcome of a Complaints Panel held on 2nd June, 2010, comprising Councillors Atkin (in the Chair), Dodson and Walker.  The Panel heard a complaint received from Mr. C. relating to the Council’s Allocation Policy and the time taken to be rehoused.  Further more detailed information about the case was given.

It was reported that the Panel had not upheld the complaint.  However consideration was given to the following recommendations of the Panel:-

         “That the Housing Allocation Policy be reviewed and a report on the conclusions of the review be submitted to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods regarding applicants who were statutorily overcrowded but living in temporary accommodation and therefore classified as “locally overcrowded” and placed in the General Plus group rather than the Priority group. “

An explanation of the definition “overcrowding” was provided, together with details of how the procedure currently operated. 

Those present discussed the current terminology and definition and were of the opinion that the current policy was satisfactory and thus a review was not necessary.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the outcome of the Stage 3 Complaint be noted.

(2)  That the recommendation to review the Housing Allocation Policy be not agreed, but the language of the policy be clarified.

(3)                  That the Director of Independent Living provides the Cabinet Member with a briefing note in respect of the Council’s current policy on “overcrowding” within the Housing Allocation Policy and any learning from the complaint.

(Exempt under Paragraph 2 of the Act – information which is likely to reveal the identity of individuals)

(Exempt under Paragraph 2 of the Act – information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual)

It was noted that an Appeals Panel had been held on 11th June, 2010, comprising The Mayor (Councillor McNeely) (in the Chair); Councillors Atkin and Ellis, to review a decision to terminate an Introductory Tenancy.

The Panel had confirmed the decision made on 10th May, 2010.

Those present confirmed a commitment to zero tolerance.

Resolved:-  That the Panel's decision be noted.

(Exempt under Paragraph 2 of the Act - information likely to reveal the identity of an individual)