Agenda item

To receive a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development presenting a further update in relation to effective lettings and tenancy management proposals.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report which presented a further update in relation to effective lettings and tenancy management proposals.  As part of this, a copy of the previous detailed report provided to the Scrutiny Board in November was appended for ease of reference.

The following were in attendance:

-  Councillor Debra Coupar, Executive Member (Communities)

-  Neil Evans, Director of Environment and Housing

-  Liz Cook, Chief Officer (Housing Management)

-  Jill Wildman, Head of Housing Management

-  Mandy Sawyer, Head of Neighbourhood Services

-  Kathryn Bramall, Housing Manager.

The Board received a brief presentation focussing on; the rationale for reviewing existing policies and procedures; Housing and Planning Bill changes; and the key elements to effective lettings and tenancy management.

The Board was invited to provide any comment on the proposals at this stage to help inform the report to Executive Board in February 2016.

The key areas of discussion were:

·  The importance of ensuring a consistent approach towards conducting checks on previous criminal and anti-social behaviour when letting council properties. Members noted that guidance regarding this had been provided to all Housing Officers and therefore requested that a copy of this guidance be forwarded to the Scrutiny Board.

·  Achieving a consistent approach through effective staff training programmes.

·  Confirmation that the Council was awaiting further details regarding selling off high value homes to fund affordable housing development.

·  Clarification provided regarding higher rent levels for households earning over £30k.

·  Development of family friendly blocks and other appropriate high rise provision.  The Board was assured that following the wider policy consultation process, more localised consultations around specific blocks would be undertaken and involve Ward Councillors.

·  Confirmation that most Annual Home Visits (AVH) were made by appointment.  Unannounced inspections were undertaken when there were concerns about tenant behaviour. 

·  The Board acknowledged the need for greater consistency and transparency in relation to local lettings policies generally. In particular, the Board discussed the local connections criteria that will also form part of the wider consultation process for review. 

·  The Board requested that the director’s report to Executive Board in February clearly sets out the directorate’s commitment to further consult with Scrutiny regarding the details of any revised local lettings policies prior to approval.  It was noted that the proposed consultation timeline indicated that Scrutiny would be consulted on final proposals in July 2016.

·  The Board emphasised the importance of promoting harmonious communities and particularly recognised the need to encourage community engagement amongst residents within new build homes delivered through the Council House Growth programme.  

·  The importance of pre-tenancy training and ensuring that it was accessible, e.g. development of on-line learning.

·  Development of sheltered and extra care housing provision in Ardsley and Yeadon. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and presentation be noted.

(b)  That the guidance provided to Housing Officers be forwarded to the Board for information.

(c)  That the report to Executive Board in February 2016 includes a commitment to re-consult Scrutiny on details of any revised local lettings policies prior to approval.