Agenda item

To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on interim recommendations made following an Inquiry into Choiced Based Lettings.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report on interim recommendations made following an Inquiry into Choice Based Lettings.

The following representatives were in attendance:-

John Statham, Head of Strategic Landlord, Environment and Neighbourhoods

Kath Bramall, Leeds Homes Policy Manager, Environment and Neighbourhoods

In addition to the above report, a copy of additional information entitled ‘Leeds Homes Performance Management Summary Quarter 1 2008/09 for Ward Members’ was circulated for the information/comment of the meeting.

For the benefit of Board Members, the Chair went through each individual recommendation seeking comments, which were duly noted by the officers’ in attendance.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

Recommendation 2(i)

‘’That the Strategic Landlord ensures that all local ward members are provided with quarterly performance information relating to local housing issues, in particular waiting times and lettings’’.  Where possible, the information should meet the following requirements:

·  the need for the data to be broken down into wards, including data on the letting summary

·  clarification of how Board Members perceived the information contained with this document

(The Head of Strategic Landlord responded and stated that the aim of the document was to provide elected members with core lettings information that would help them when dealing with residents.  The focus was on the details around the waiting lists/balance of lettings/waiting times with reference to the average length of time shown in weeks)

·  the need for this information to be made available within the public domain and for ALMOs to be consulted on the specific detail

·  clarification of the number of customers seeking ‘general needs’ and a requirement to look at various trends

·  clarification of the anticipated number of applications received within the 1^st quarter in six months time and on the number of people who have bidded, together with details of those who were successful

·  the need for those on ‘general needs’ to be broken down with a focus on families and single people which would assist Elected Members when conducting their surgeries

·  ensure that there is consistency in the lay-out of categories, including the different bands and priority plus

·  the need for the figures to be kept up to date and for some narrative to be included on explaining the trends

·  the need to focus on the number of properties that were empty or available for letting

·  to provide a brief description of terms contained within the information.

Recommendation 6

‘’That, by December 2008, the Strategic Landlord review the application registration procedures to ensure that appropriate checks on customers' identities are undertaken at an earlier stage of the lettings process, for example, as part of the housing need assessment process’’.

·  clarification of what checks were being undertaken and the need for more detail

·  the need to talk to corporate social housing providers

Recommendation 8(i) and (ii)

‘’ (i)  That, by December 2008 and in conjunction with each ALMO and the BITMO, the Strategic Landlord seeks to develop and implement suitable strategies to tackle sub-letting of council properties’’.

‘’(ii) That a review of such strategies is undertaken 12 months after implementation, with a view to ensuring such strategies are and remain fit for purpose’’

·  the need for more detail on sub letting

Recommendation 9(i)

‘’That by April 2009, the Strategic Landlord, through the ALMOs:-

Ascertains the level of under-occupancy across all council housing stock ‘’

·  the need to focus on those people moving from houses to flats and for the policy to be more flexible

(The Head of Strategic Landlord responded and agreed to investigate this matter further)

General Comments

·  the need for the Board to address older people’s needs and the private sector

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That a vote of thanks be conveyed to the Head of Strategic Landlord and his support staff on their excellent contribution to this Inquiry, together with a similar message being sent to the ALMOs.

(c)  That the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development be requested to include the following issues within the Board’s future work programme:-

·  Older People’s Housing

·  Private Sector Housing