Agenda item

To receive a report from the Director of Environment and Housing covering particular areas of housing policy/activity as requested by the Scrutiny Board.

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report covering particular areas of housing policy/activity as requested by the Scrutiny Board.

The following were in attendance:

·  Neil Evans, Director of Environment and Housing

·  Jill Wildman, Chief Officer Housing Management

·  Mandy Sawyer, Head of Neighbourhood Services

The key areas of discussion were:

Housing and Planning Act

·  It was noted that the implementation date of April 2017 was still expected despite delays in receiving further government guidance on each of the policy changes.

·  It was noted that a project group, chaired by the Chief Officer – Housing Management, had been established to co-ordinate proposals and develop a project plan for implementing the Act.

·  A communications plan has also been developed to ensure that tenants are given the right information at the right time.  This involves a dedicated webpage at www.leeds.gov.uk/hpa2016.

·  The Board discussed the implications surrounding the sale of higher value vacant local authority homes and particular concerns were raised regarding the lack of guidance on how ‘higher value’ will be determined.

·  The Board noted the potential resource implications in administering the new Pay to Stay policy.

Quality of Private Rented Sector Housing

·  The Board noted the current estimated figure of 60,000 private rented sector properties in the city and sought clarification of whether this figure included student accommodation.

·  It was highlighted that the Leeds Landlord Accreditation Scheme is be replaced with a new sector led Leeds Rental Standard.

·  References were made to the creation of a rogue landlord unit and the Board emphasised the importance of having a clear understanding of what constitutes a ‘rouge’ landlord.

·  The Board questioned what, if any, conditions could be placed on a property that is sold through the Council’s Right-to-Buy scheme and subsequently becomes a private rented sector property.

·  The Board sought clarification surrounding the processes in place for checking if a property bought under the Council’s Right-to-Buy scheme is subsequently sold and the owner then reapplies for another Council property.  Linked to this, the Board requested that further analysis is undertaken and reported back to the Board at the next Housing themed meeting in January 2017.

·  Clarification was also sought regarding the Community Right to Bid process and whether this had been used in relation to council residential properties.

Void Turnaround Times of Council Homes

·  Particular reference was made to the above average relet times within the South of the city and it was noted that targeted work within this area will assist in bringing the performance figure back within the target of 28 days.

·  Clarification was sought regarding the areas where Housing Leeds has recently introduced a Variable Lettable Standard.

Tenant Scrutiny Board

·  The Board acknowledged the recommendations and service responses linked to the recent Tenant Scrutiny Board inquiry into the environment of estates.

·  The Board noted that the Tenant Scrutiny Board is now undertaking an inquiry into the East Leeds Repairs Service, which is expected to conclude in March 2017.

·  Board Members sought further information in respect to the Tenant Scrutiny Board’s governance and support arrangements.

·  The Board also discussed the role of Housing Advisory Panels (HAPs) and sought clarification on Ward Member relationships with HAPs, in particular relating to bids, as this appeared inconsistent across the city.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report be noted.

(b)  That the above updates and requests for information be provided.