Agenda item

Agenda item

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

A report of the Strategic Director; Environmental and Corporate Services providing Quarter 2 performance monitoring information.

Minutes:

Considered, a report of the Strategic Director; Environmental and Corporate Services providing Quarter 2 performance monitoring information (item 7 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

 

The Chair and Vice-chair had identified the following principal topics/focus for this item:

 

·                % rent loss through void properties (red indicator);

·                Sheltered schemes – where are we on progress?

·                Age criteria for acceptance into certain properties.

 

Assisting with consideration of the report: Strategic Director; Environmental and Corporate Services, Head of Strategic and Private Sector Housing, Organisational Change Officer.

 

Summary, key points of discussion:

 

(i)        Report was presented by Organisational Change Officer. Noted in respect of 2 red actions Corporate Delivery Plan 2021/22, 1 would be closed for Q3 as Outwoods Visitor Centre Café recently opened.  Also, relevant Head of Service now shown for indicators as requested previously by Committee.

(ii)       Agenda page 35, collective switching, look at how increase profile/uptake? Particularly important given increase in energy prices.  In response, current position in energy market had meant that not feasible for offers to be made in last auction.  Continuing in scheme as per Cabinet decision, once change in market/benefit to switching would do more promotion.  Focus currently energy efficiency. 

(iii)      When likely to have contractor kitchens/bathrooms/heating?  Remit of Head of Landlord Services, response could be requested following meeting.

(iv)    Timeline needed for when sheltered schemes review would be completed, had been delayed for some time.  Additional narrative agenda page 51 useful.  Refocus needed. Needed to update properties so that provided what tenants needed, perhaps switch focus of capital spending from purchasing properties to updating properties so could be let.  Income to Council being lost and not housing as many people as could otherwise do.  Funds available in HRA as not spent on repairs over last year.  In response, had been increase rent loss, less voids end of quarter, decrease in terminations, starting this quarter in better position.  Had been increase in re-advertised properties, linked into previous comments made re: sheltered schemes/age designation, had been more offers made.  Longstanding nature of sheltered schemes review outlined, also schemes completed to date, agreed standard, assessment/work undertaken and plans moving forward, in particular timeline for next scheme, Thurmaston and report to Cabinet on that and prioritisation of remaining schemes.  Considerable work had been undertaken. However, progress had been impacted by Covid.  Also, by staff leaving.  Updates on sheltered schemes review was provided to Housing Management Advisory Board.  Recognised that had been delay, apology for that including to affected residents.  Funds from Right to Buy being used to purchase properties could not be used for refurbishment costs.       

(v)     Clarified that void rent loss, review of sheltered schemes, age designation all within remit of Head of Strategic and Private Sector Housing.

(vi)    Regarding age designation, project had commenced, past changes looked at, currently 1,079 45+ properties, approximately 5% void.  Progress on plan affected by available staff resources, work to recruit and position in that respect outlined, had been difficult, also staffing to assist turnaround. Analysis of age designation changes made previously and practice elsewhere indicated that there had not been a problem with management/additional anti-social behaviour, which had been the main concern.  Housing Management Advisory Board to consider, possibility of pilot blocks initially.  View expressed that age criteria had become barrier, removal supported.

(vii)   Unclear why some indicators green, not yet delivered, example provided.  Feedback on example provided noted.  Also, in response, the check and challenge approach taken to position stated by responsible officers was outlined, if progress sufficient against deadline for completion, fair to state as green.  Aim always to give realistic indication of position through the year, therefore position at end year not significantly different than expected.  Noted that not a perfect science.

(viii)  Agenda page 36, action “35 empty homes back into use”, why green when only 16 achieved?  Also, action “purchase 10-20 properties” why only 5 achieved, funds available, reason for?  In response, cumulative over year, met for quarters so far, therefore considered realistic indication.  Head of Strategic and Private Sector Housing anticipated that both targets would be met by year end.  Post meeting note: At 6th December 2021, 24 empty homes back in use, 9 properties purchased.

  

RESOLVED

 

1.         that the performance results, associated commentary and the explanations provided be noted;

 

2.         that a response of the Head of Landlord Services be sent to members of the Committee in respect of paragraph (iii) above.

 

Reasons

 

1.         To ensure that targets and objectives are being met and to identify areas where performance might be improved.

 

2.         The question could not be answered at the meeting.

Supporting documents: