Agenda item

This item was introduced by Elliot Brookes who drew the attention of committee members to the service plan structure chart detailing who does what and the services for which they are responsible.

He also highlighted positives including the improved end of year figures for Empty Homes Performance and the benefits arising from the Osbourne contract.

He then went on to cover the good results achieved by the Tenancy Sustainment Team due to the concentrated effort by one or two officers to get high rewards.

He drew attention to the efforts to increase tenancy involvement including the tenants and leaseholders fun day to be held at Hemel Hempstead school and advertised in the recent edition of Housing News.

He concluded with the New Homes Redevelopment Programme encompassing the Elms and St. Peters Court – both completed on time, to schedule and with tenants in them.

Councillor Imrani asked for examples of what makes a property ‘hard to let’. EB listed certain sheltered schemes, e.g. bedsits, willow edge in Kings Langley, properties above garages, all characterised as ‘less desirable’ in choice based letting terms.

A short discussion then took place on homelessness targets and the gold standard in provision of homelessness support. DBC had worked with three other authorities in herts in a peer review considering the 10 key elements in the gold standard. As a result DBC has been working on improving the areas of 'advice given' (a service provided through phone scripts); and consultation on the homelessness strategy.

Councillor Silwal asked if the Key Amnesty had impacted on sub letting and was informed that this internal initiative has resulted in keys being handed back

Councillor W Wyatt-Lowe raised the issue of how DBC might categorise the recording of complaints from different sets of tenants – e.g. private householders complaints about Council tenants. EB advised that tenant complaints are recorded and we look at themes; identifying issues and behaviour rather than who it is about. We then record any enforcement action taken.

The committee next considered the Performance Indicators.

Councillor Imrani drew attention to the capital programme and her impression that some properties seem to be left off the repairs lists while the rest of the street is repaired. EB explained that the list is compiled not by street but by need. He suggested that residents who feel they have a need to be addressed should alert the council.

Councillor Conway sought clarification on the passive house standard. EB clarified that it relates to the standard of build quality which will result in lower heating and energy bills. St Peter’s is a pilot and the performance will be monitored. The tenants have been trained and, used correctly, it should result in lower bills.

Councillor W Wyatt-Lowe welcomed the efforts involved in improving digital access. He looked forward to the programme being pushed out to the wider community and not just council residents. He questioned how we will measure any outcomes from this and suggested ‘less visits to the civic offices’; more contacts by phone, App or website.

He raised the issue of the young persons housing strategy including special provisions for those leaving care. EB agreed that this will be considered when the strategy comes to this committee for approval.

The members suggested that the current format of the Performance report needs reviewing and a short summary included in the report.