Agenda item

To receive an update on the Council’s Housing Asset Management programme from Housing Investment Team.

The Committee received a presentation from the Head of Housing Asset Management outlining the key areas covered by the Service.

The Committee was informed that the team had developed all programmes of works using stock intelligence gathered in consultation with residents and housing management as this was key to understanding the condition of the stock.

In relation to Decent Homes, it was agreed that continued investment in the stock was key to meeting and maintaining compliance with the standard.  Further consultation would be undertaken on Decent Homes 2 and a detailed communications strategy would be drawn up to ensure transparency for tenants on where their property was within the programme.

Officers reported on the current position in respect of decarbonisation and energy efficiency with 2684 properties still requiring work to meet the minimum Band C target.  Over £5million funding had been secured with SBC match funding and a Warm Homes bid for 550 homes would be submitted.  It was noted that to achieve net zero by 2050, £169million investment would be required.

An update was given on the current capital programme including

·         Major Refurbishment Contract (MRC),

·         Decent Homes,

·         SHDF Wave 2 – Delivery of Energy Efficiency Measures to flat blocks and Street Properties;

·         High Rise – Replacement Fire Doors (Flats and Communal);

·         Fencing Programme – Planned programme of over £1million this year.

It was noted that in relation to High Rise Refurbishment Works, consultation was due to start in December and would include roofing, windows, heating, communal area decoration and re-modelling.Overall, the Investment in the existing stock over the next 5 years totalled £110 million.

In response to a question regarding the fencing programme, Officers advised that the fencing policy had been reviewed and was now more robust to avoid the constant fence replacements.

Improvements relating to the voids service were reported including the procurement of support contractors as the service moved to a hybrid delivery model.   It was recognised that although there had been improvements there was still work to do within the service.

Members were advised that the Aids and Adaptations Policy was in the process of being reworked and would ensure the Council was making the best use of the properties available and consider where the aids and adaptations were most appropriate and that reasonable adjustments could be made to ensure compliance with the Equality Act.

The chair asked for clarification that there was not any change to fix term tenancies.  Officers confirmed that there were currently no plans to change the existing policy.  Tenants who were offered the opportunity to move to sheltered accommodation were at liberty to accept or decline the offer.

Following further consideration, it was agreed that Aids and Adaptations be brought back to a future meeting of the Committee for more targeted scrutiny.

The Chair thanked the Officers for their presentation.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the presentation be noted;

2.    That a further review of the Aids and Adaptation works be brought back to a future meeting of the Scrutiny Committee.