Agenda item

To receive a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development on potential sources of work for the Tenant Scrutiny Board.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report which provided information and guidance on potential sources of work for the Tenant Scrutiny Board.

The following representatives were in attendance:

-  Tim Young, Independent consultant and trainer

-  Mandy Sawyer, Head of Neighbourhood Services, Housing Leeds.

The following information was appended to the report:

·  Housing Support – Performance Framework (March 2014)

·  Performance information presented to Scrutiny Board (Housing and Regeneration) (March 2014)

·  A list of housing related topics considered by Scrutiny Board (Housing and Regeneration) over the past two years

·  Previous Tenant Scrutiny Recommendations and Actions 2012-2014

·  A series of potential items drawn up by the Chair for consideration.

The Chair introduced Tim Young, Independent trainer and consultant to facilitate the Tenant Scrutiny Board’s discussion on potential sources of work.

The following potential work areas were discussed:

Tenancy Visits: why have them, what do we do with the information?

·  On-going commitment to Annual Tenancy Visits as part of arrangements established through Council’s Executive Board.

·  Potential development and influencing role for Tenant Scrutiny Board.

Customer satisfaction / Value for Money of Housing Advisory Panel spend

·  Interim budget process in place.  Longer term approval process being developed.

·  Review approval process once new arrangements had been established.

Arrears – Developing a process for rent arrears collection

·  Await outcome of report to Scrutiny Board (Housing and Regeneration).

Welfare changes impacts

·  Significant work already undertaken by Welfare Reform Operations Group.

Local Letting of new homes impact

·  Await outcome of report to Housing Advisory Board.

Impact of the capital programme on stock condition and customer satisfaction

·  Role for Tenant Scrutiny Board to be involved in review of Investment Strategy.

·  More detailed performance information required in relation to repairs.

Repairs performance and customer experience

·  Monitor outcomes of work already undertaken by tenant scrutiny in relation to repairs, measuring satisfaction and tenant involvement.

Developing / reviewing the Tenure Policy

·  Report to Executive Board to be forwarded to all Members of Tenant Scrutiny Board.

Delivery of older people’s housing solutions

·  Await outcome of report to Housing Advisory Board.

·  Possible item for pre-decision scrutiny.

Long-term solutions for high rise living

·  Significant work already being undertaken by Leeds High Rise Group.

Effective housing for people with disabilities – adapt or move?  Impact on overall stock and housing options

·  Further information requested about how the system works.

Tenant Involvement Structure and Recruitment

·  Await outcome of report to Housing Advisory Board.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the Board’s work schedule be updated to reflect the key areas of work discussed during today’s meeting for subsequent approval by the Tenant Scrutiny Board.