Agenda and draft minutes

The Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services submitted 2010/11 performance targets set for 2010 Rotherham Ltd. for consideration.  The report also set out the methodology for calculating void turnaround times from 1^st April, 2010 onwards.

2010 had submitted a proposed series of performance targets for 2010/11 to its Board on 12^th May which were agreed after some minor amendments.  A significant number of the 2009/10 targets had not been achieved, in some cases due to unforeseen circumstances (such as adverse weather) but some due to unrealistic targets.

The targets, together with brief explanations for each, were set out in the report.

As a result of the internal review of processes undertaken on custom and practice with regard to voids performance, it had been agreed that the overall “turnaround” figure should include all void properties undertaking Decent Homes refurbishment works whilst still allowing regional and national benchmarking.

With the new methodology, performance would appear to drop in 2010/11 compared to previously reported figures as the turnaround averages would be inflated by those properties requiring Decent Homes investment.  Sub-indicators and targets would be developed so it would be possible to monitor separately performance on routine ‘simple’ voids, more complex voids and an all inclusive figure for every property.  Properties undergoing Decent Homes refurbishment works during the void period would be identified on the Anite system with the status 1 DHO which would allow automated performance reports to be produced each month.  This would be underpinned with detailed performance analysis on each property through the various stages from when a notice to terminate was received to re-letting a property.  The individual stages were to be measured as set out in the Empty Homes Event Analysis.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the performance targets set for 2010 Rotherham Ltd. for 2010/11 be approved.

(2)  That the new methodology for calculating void turnaround times be noted.

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 those paragraphs, indicated below, 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 Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report setting out the risks and challenges over the remainder of the Decent Homes Programme.

The report summarised the 2009/10 Programme and highlighted the main achievements.  Approximately £276M had been spent up to 1^st April, 2010, leaving £22.6M to be spent during 2010/11.  6.29% of properties remained non-decent as at 31^st March, 2010 (ahead of target) and customer satisfaction was high at 97.71%.

The report set out the 3 key challenges ahead for the 2010/11 Programme:-

-              Outstanding final account for year 3 still to be agreed with 1 partner

-              Affordability of the Decent Homes Programme

-              Non-traditional properties.

Resolved:-  That the report 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 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial/business affairs of any person (including the Council))

The Acting Finance Manager (Neighbourhoods) submitted a report which detailed the income, expenditure and net position for the Neighbourhoods department within the Neighbourhoods and Adult Services Directorate compared to the profiled budgets for the period ending 31st May, 2010.

The report also included the projected year end outturn position which currently showed a balanced budget by the end of March 2011.

The key pressures were as follows:-

-              Independent Support Service (Wardens) (£209,000 overspend)

-              Housing and Neighbourhood Services

-              Independent Living

-              Agency and Consultancy

It was noted that the report did not take into account any changes in funding announced in the emergency budget, the implications of which were currently being worked through.

Discussion ensued on vacancy management and the effects on service.

Resolved:- That the report be received and 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)

It was noted that an Appeals Panel had been held on 22nd 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.

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

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