Agenda item

On the topic for the Committee to review during the 2022/23 Municipal Year, the Chair highlighted the following potential areas for members to consider:

·       Regulator of Social Housing + implementation of the new regulatory framework+ the new bill. On the issue of Regulator Social Housing, the Chair noted that members will be receiving a briefing on this issue during the municipal year from Housing Officers.

·       Increasing resident engagement (covering the work of the newly restructured community development team, estate champions, thriving neighbourhoods and how other teams deal with residents)

·       Developing an Overcrowding strategy (to cover over 55s housing, grants for under occupiers, building large homes, converting street properties back into larger units, working with sheltered accommodation providers) - The Chair acknowledged that this appears to be an issue that comes up regularly in conversations with residents and noticeable in members case work. In response to a question on whether the Service is able to provide the number of people that have actually downsized, the Corporate Director indicated that information will be circulated to committee

·       Supporting victims of domestic violence (what has changed since the Domestic Violence Act last year)

In response to a suggestion on the possibility of reviewing private rented sector especially in light of the increasing cost of living, the Corporate Director acknowledged that although the council has a policy in place and registration of landlords via the Environmental Health Team, noting that it would be helpful to invite a local private renters union to share their experience with members, committee should note that a scrutiny was carried out 2-3 years ago which looked at regulation and licensing. The Corporate Director suggested that an update on actions could be provided as a first step so the current situation could be considered alongside the recommendations.

On the issue of Committee engaging residents especially those on Estates and TRA’s at committee meetings, the chair stated that committee meetings are held in public and there are numerous opportunities for public involvement either to attend meetings in persons, view proceedings on webcasting or the submission of questions

The Chair moved a motion that the topic for review during this 2022/23 Municipal year is Overcrowding. This was seconded and carried.

The Chair informed the meeting that prior to the next committee meeting he would be liaising with housing officers to scope the review, and that a draft scrutiny initiation document (SID) will be circulated for members input.

The Corporate Director reminded members that in putting the SID together, members could decide its aims and objectives, evidence it wants presented, reminding members that topics such as overcrowding does not necessarily look at allocation policy itself but its impacts, such as damp, mould and condensation with children not being able to concentrate on their homework, so committee will be looking at aspects such as well-being and mental health etc . In addition Corporate Director advised that TRA’s can be invited to give evidence especially if that is evident through member casework and neighbouring boroughs can be invited to observe their own experience.

RESOLVED:
That Overcrowding is the main topic for review

That the Committee work plan be noted and items be scheduled following discussion with the Chair and Housing Officers before the next meeting.

The Chair acknowledged the good work carried out by the previous Chair of the Committee, Councillor O’Sullivan Mick, noting that his experience will be of immense benefit going forward as he remains on the Committee.

A member wanted the Committee to acknowledge the enormous work carried out by an inhouse architect who has been involved in the new homes build programme whose effort and passion about social housing has been recognised by winning a top award in architecture .