None.

To confirm and sign, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 14 November 2024 (Appendix ‘A’).

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 14 November 2024 were held to be correct.

Cllr R Davies.

Members are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests or other registrable and non-registrable interests in items on the agenda.

         No declarations of interest were made.

[This item followed the Self-Assessment Against Consumer Standards item].

The report was outlined to members with a further presentation on the responses to the Preventing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy survey. Tenant responses largely supported the Council’s work on the strategy.

Further suggestions that came from responses to the survey included a desire for the Council to focus on supporting families at an earlier stage in their struggles, and a desire to see the strategy backed up with action.   

Members praised the housing department for their work and compassion when dealing with homeless cases.

It was resolved that:

Members approved the Council’s new Preventing Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy, 2025-2028.

[This item was moved to the beginning of the meeting, above the Preventing Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy, with the agreement of the Committee]

[Cllr T. Gracey arrived at 19.34].

The report was outlined to members. It was also proposed to transfer £30,000 of HRA funds to top up the Discretionary Housing Payment pot for which Secretary of State permission would be sought.

Queries were raised over the 40% increase in heating and hot water supplies in certain independent retirement living accommodation. It was explained that this was a result of the cost of heating rising significantly, although it was ensured that heating costs within individual accommodation could still be covered by housing benefit. Further queries were raised over if tenants had raised concerns over the increased costs. It was explained that tenants would be contacted and a hardship fund put in place for those who required it.

A further query was raised over the increase in salary expenditure between 2023/4 and 2024/5. It was explained this was the responsibility of the budget managers but that clarity would be sought.

A final query was raised over the close alignment of the probable and estimated budgets for the general management which would also be clarified.

[Cllr T. Gracey refrained from voting on this item as he had not been present at the beginning of its discussion].

It was resolved that:

i.               Members approved the draft estimates for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix A to be approved as submitted, and the Full Council be requested to make provision accordingly; and

ii.             The proposed changes in rents and charges (including those for Housing General Fund services) for 2025/26, as set out in pages 84-5 of the agenda be approved to be effective either from the first rent week of April 2025, or 1 April as appropriate.

[This item was moved to follow the HRA item with the agreement of the committee].

The report was outlined to members.

The report was outlined to members. It was clarified that standards focused on both the age and condition of various elements of a house including kitchens and bathrooms. It was clarified that a modern bathroom was one that was under thirty years old, and that many kitchens and bathrooms may be within their lifecycle but in poor condition, or vice versa.

It was further explained that the percentage of homes meeting decent homes standards would fluctuate with elements such as chimneys coming to the end of their lifecycles. Once remedial works had been carried out, the percentage of homes meeting the decent standard would once again increase.

It was confirmed that the EPC and decarbonisation programmes would run parallel to this work. The current cost of air source heat pumps was currently seen as prohibitive to widescale installation, although the improved insulation that would come from the decent homes programme would see a decline in gas boiler use.

The report was outlined to members.

It was resolved that:

Members approved a 4 week consultation with professional stakeholders and residents on the Building Safety Resident Engagement Strategy.

Urgent Item - Additional Allocation of Local Authority Housing Fund (Round 3)

This item has been added to the agenda in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972. The requirement for the item was not confirmed until after the publication of the agenda.

Reasons for urgency:  On 23^rd December 2024 the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government invited Local Authorities to express an interest in further funding from LAHF round 3 as they may be able to reallocate funds. The proposal must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 17^th January with properties to be delivered by 31^st March 2026. Delaying consideration of this item will preclude the Council from applying to access significant levels of funding.

This item has been added to the agenda in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972. The requirement for the item was not confirmed until after the publication of the agenda.

Reasons for urgency: On 23rd December 2024 the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government invited Local Authorities to express an interest in further funding from LAHF round 3 as they may be able to reallocate funds. The proposal must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 17th January with properties to be delivered by 31st March 2026. Delaying consideration of this item will preclude the Council from applying to access significant levels of funding.

The report was outlined to members. It was confirmed that whilst the budget was not included in the Housing Revenue Accounts, there were allocated funds for such a project.

It was resolved that the Committee:

i.               Approved the submission of a proposal for the additional allocation of Local Authority Housing Fund R3 by 17th January 2025

ii.             Resolved to purchase 2 properties to fulfil the requirements of the LAHF terms.

iii.            Approved a supplementary capital estimate to be financed by government grant with part of the balance to be financed by HRA reserves.

iv.            Delegated power to the Assistant Chief Executive (Place) and Corporate Head of Housing to determine rent levels related to properties included in this scheme where the scheme terms allow for discretion