Agenda item

To consider an update in respect of the Housing Strategy 2019 – 2022.

Consideration was given to a report detailing progress against the housing targets and measures for housing strategy and growth. Attention was also given to a presentation on the three-year Housing strategy for years 2019-2021, including creating new homes, strengthening existing homes, improving health and well-being via improving housing, and working collaboratively in partnerships. The presentation noted the challenges in recent months to be able to work with tenants and residents face to face. Details were provided as to how Housing services were responding to an increasing demand for housing solutions that accommodate individuals with specific disabilities or unique needs. Further, an update was provided around several services that were suspended because of COVID-19 that were now being stood back up. The presentation highlighted areas of the Borough where schemes have successfully opened new homes and properties. Aims for recovery following COVID-19 were also addressed, specifically in terms of returning services to full operation, taking into account lessons learned about efficient ways of working under new restrictions. It was noted that almost all rough-sleepers in the Borough were now off the streets, even though homelessness has risen and was expected to rise following the pandemic.

In discussion, Members asked for further information about any plans for modernisation or redesign of council houses. The response emphasised the need to assess the costs, including opportunity cost, associated with remodelling, but affirmed that the homes were kept up to the required standards.

Members also sought clarification as to how many of the homes were occupied and the origin of the target numbers. The response affirmed that every five years an analysis of the housing market was carried out, from which the figures were derived that indicate these anticipated changes in demand for various types of housing. Further, it was noted that the occupation of properties was not tracked, but it was likely that the newly constructed buildings were being sold upon completion. It was also noted that just over 300 sites in the Borough were being considered for developments. Each Ward Member was to receive an information pack about these sites in question. These packs are designed to help capture local knowledge and insight that may be available. It was further noted that within the next two to three weeks, Members were to be emailed these lists of potential future sites and invited to provide feedback.

Further detail was requested as to how the service will respond to increasing demand for social housing following the current and anticipated economic downturn, specifically in terms of strategic acquisitions as a way to replenish housing stocks. In response, officers described a current initiative to buy bungalows by working directly with builders and with organisations such as Red Mile.

Members expressed concern that plans were in place to protect residents at risk of homelessness once the end of the rent embargo arrived. In response, officers explained that this year, the number of such needs had risen from 35 to 89. Hotel accommodation has also been utilised this year, which had not been the case in the past. It was further noted that private landlords were expected to be responsible in the circumstances and not carry out unnecessary evictions. Members were assured that numbers were monitored and analysed on a weekly basis.

Members were interested in more information about the Tenant Engagement Framework. The response indicated that the strategy group was to meet the following week to work out how best to ensure business continuity via virtual communication. It was noted that resources were allocated at the ward level and that the decisions were to be taken from tenants to ward members so that funds were spent for the things that really mattered to tenants.

Members wished to know if, given the demographic facts about increasing population in Rotherham, the design of new-built residences had taken into account specific needs for the older age group. The response affirmed that the increasing demographic was very much being considered. Apartments were being designed to include a lift, to be offered as shared ownership, and to allow people to downsize. It was noted that it would not be possible to provide enough land to meet the demand for bungalows, so some of what was needed was smaller homes with stairlifts. Therefore, the tenure and design of these homes had been carefully planned and considered.

Members inquired about the future of a specific site in the Borough. In response, officers explained that sites were sometimes not designated as Housing, but rather were organised in the general fund. Therefore, the Housing Service worked closely with Regeneration and Environment and with the Asset Management Board to consider a range of possibilities for surface assets, like these sites, with Housing as a consistent early consideration. A full strategic assessment was routinely conducted and changes in use considered where appropriate. The financial implications were also considered before determining whether it made sense to develop through the HRA or to auction. With regard to the Brinsworth Library site in particular, officers offered to look into it and return an answer after the meeting.

Clarification was requested about the service’s 100% compliance rate on Gas Safety checks and any safety check refusals. Officers identified that the rate has consistently hovered at or above 99%. As a matter of policy, contractors did not go into a property where the resident was shielding or needing to isolate upon having contracted the virus. In such cases, the service revised the safety check schedule and made a new appointment.

Members expressed curiosity as to how the Town Centre was developing despite setbacks associated with the pandemic. The response supplied information about an initial hiccup in the work process with the contractor that has now been worked out, such that the contractor was now currently performing building activities that could be undertaken safely. Officers reported that demolition works had started, and the holdings had gone up near the swimming pool site. The response was a resounding yes, that the sites were progressing such that the homes in the Town Centre would be able to be delivered.

Members also pointed out that the Housing figures also appear in the upcoming Cabinet agenda papers. Clarification was sought as to whether the Old Oaks Day Centre site had been released and whether Housing had any plan to take this site over. In response, the officers offered to find out about the status of the specific site and inform Members.

Members requested further clarification around progress at other specific sites. The response provided an update that the bungalows and homes in question had been completed and lettings were taking place soon. It was noted that during the pandemic, homeless lettings had been prioritised, but general lettings were now also a returning priority.

Members wished to know more about the total number of strategic acquisitions over the last year and the associated costs. Members were informed that there have been 130 so far this year. For reference, there were 3 in the previous financial year. The Cabinet Member for Housing also added that the Local Lettings Criteria where applicable were followed, which meant that half of the lettings were reserved for people from the village area. These Criteria were put into place 5-6 years ago and may be ready for review. Members reiterated the request that the associated costs be circulated.

Members also wondered if former school buildings and the associated land could be examined by the Asset Management Board. Officers noted that the properties will be examined by the Asset Management Board, and that if they are appropriate for housing development, this would be ascertained. Officers offered to raise this question at the Asset Management Board Meeting as part of a combined discussion about CYPS assets.

Resolved:-

1. That when the Social Value Policy is presented for review by Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, the Housing-specific issues be highlighted within that report.  

2. That the Housing-related elements of the Covid-19 recovery plan be considered for scrutiny.

3. That the progress update in respect of the Housing Strategy be noted.