Agenda item

To consider for information a report providing an update on progress over the period July to December 2022 (Q2/Q3).

Consideration was given to a report presented for information which provided an update on progress in implementation of the Housing Strategy over the period July to December 2022 (Q2/Q3). The Strategy recognises the key issues affecting housing in Rotherham and the impact these have on residents. The Strategy also sets out how the Council will work in partnership to address the issues identified. The report presented an update on each of the six key priorities comprising the Strategy:

·       High quality new homes

·       Affordable homes to meet local need

·       Investment in existing homes

·       Bringing empty homes back into use

·       Supporting people to live independently

·       Strengthening communities

The Assistant Director of Housing noted that the context had changed significantly since the Strategy was agreed, and challenges were summarised. Progress on Housing Development was emphasised, including examples of how the Council is innovating to deliver 1000 new homes by 2026.

In discussion, Members noted the number of one-bedroom bungalows built in the 1950s which do not have room for modern living, including space to have visitors, meals, hobbies, medical equipment, modern appliances and technology. If there could be a programme for extending those, this would be welcome.

Members requested further assurances that investment in existing homes would be done proactively instead of reactively. The response from officers noted that in some parts of the borough, the Service is carrying out proactive investment. In Maltby the Service is working to get 140 houses to net zero, replacing some structural elements to do that. The issue was the cost, with difficult choices for the Council to make to achieve a balance between proactive, reactive, and growth initiatives. The Service was doing a lot of work around damp and mould, looking at ways to prevent it before people experience this. There were trade-offs around choices.

Members requested further details around the empty homes being brought back into use. The response from officers noted this was something the Service had recently started up again. An empty homes event had generated leads. Often the Service could not find or engage the owner of an empty home. The Service were ambitious to do more on empty homes. A summary of the homes brought back into use and current work was provided. The rationale for the prioritisation of hardest first was also given. Those left empty for less than 6 months usually come back in to use on their own. A technical point was made on what is funded by the Housing Revenue Account and how much work can go out to local officers to assist with properties on that basis. It was emphasised that anyone who has a lead should report these to the empty homes officer.

Relating to investment in existing homes, clarification was requested around a specific case that would benefit from better insulation for mould prevention. The response from officers offered to follow up on the specific case. It was noted that the Service were doing targeted, proactive works around mould prevention at an additional 400 properties.

Clarification was requested regarding the status of the waiting list for the housing register. The response from the Assistant Director of Housing noted there were 6,600 on the waiting list. A proportion of these would not be bidding and others would be actively seeking. The rise in numbers over time would be provided outside the meeting.

Members noted that where the right-to-buy was previously sought, the properties had now been sold again and were now privately rented, and often would require investment to raise the properties up to standard. Members requested additional details on the pace of right-to-buy properties leaving the Council’s housing stock. The response noted a pace of 150 to 200 per year. The Council were now replacing more than were being sold following a long period of breaking even. This meant that the Council were catching up on the decades of selling more right-to-buy.

Members requested more information on the outlook on accessible bungalows. The response noted this was an area where specific provision had been done. These properties required comparatively more land and tended to be expensive. It was something the Service would like to do more of. The Service had an Aids and Adaptations Service which had presented reports to scrutiny previously. The Service tended to focus those budgets on less costly interventions; however, these were done where the case was strong. If the Service had funding, it would do more of this.

Clarification was requested around how the Service assess features that must be repaired or replaced prior to new tenants moving into a property.  The Service noted the effort to ensure aids and adaptations in place are matched up with the individuals who require these. It was acknowledged that the process is more straightforward for aids and adaptations than for things like carpets. The Service had found that the carpet often has to be changed.   Given the environmental implications, clarification of the assessment for carpets was requested to be provided outside the meeting.

Members noted that some areas could not be purposed for Housing and requested more information around the suitability of acquiring lower energy properties that currently have high turnaround tenancies. The response referenced the Sites and Policies document that was adopted in 2018 and confirmed that the Council was acquiring mainly new properties. The Service exercised caution around purchasing older properties, many of which require a lot of investment because they do not meet the Council’s minimum standards.

Resolved:-

1.    That the report be noted and a further update be considered in 12 months’ time.

2.    That engagement with new SME builders, developers and investors continue to be prioritised.

3.    That consideration be given to possible interventions which could link up existing services to support people to continue their tenancies rather than joining the housing register.

4.    That Members continue to be consulted around use of the Design Guide for new developments.