Agenda item

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Housing which presents a summary of the most recent performance data against the six Housing Leeds priorities. 

The report provides performance data, supporting commentary and contextual information, as well as signposting to relevant information contained in other reports on the HAB agenda. 

(Report attached)

The report of the Director of Environment and Housing provided a summary of latest available performance against measures relating to the six Housing Leeds priorities agreed by the Housing Advisory Board.  It reflected the feedback given at a previous Board meeting in relation to the format and content of performance reports and signposted the Board to performance information that was being provided in other reports on the agenda in order to avoid duplication.

Debra Scott, Head of Resources, Environment and Housing presented the report.

The following issues were highlighted:

·  Environmental Improvements – a summary of HAP funded schemes was detailed and an update was given on the Environmental Improvement Programme.

·  Rent and Benefits – This had been covered in the financial reports.

·  Housing People – Temporary accommodation placements, re-letting of properties and void properties all remained low and well within target.

·  Repairs – A detailed report had been submitted to the last meeting and there had been improvement since then.  Terms of Reference and minutes of the Tenant’s Scrutiny Board into repairs were appended to the report. Repairs right first time and overall satisfaction both remained above target.

·  Capital Programme – This had been covered in the financial reports

·  Knowing our Tenants – Annual home visits were ahead of target; Disrepairs – there had been improvements towards meeting targets but a higher number of cases than anticipated had been received; The 2 yearly survey of tenants had commenced, there had been changes to how this was carried out to allow digital access and it was hoped to be able to provide the Board with headline outcomes at its February meeting.

In response to comments and questions, the following was discussed:

·  Disrepair claims – in response to questions regarding what work was being carried out to prevent these and what mediation was undertaken, it was reported that changes had been made to the way the service was delivered to provide a fast track resolution and mediation was offered in an attempt to prevent claims.  It was reiterated that there had been a larger number than anticipated but the fast track service aimed to resolve issues within 28 days which would meet targets and avoid legal costs and compensation.

·  A request was made for a breakdown of what disrepair complaints were about to see if patterns could be identified.  It was reported that work was ongoing to analyse complaints with regard to areas, types of property and types of disrepair.  A more pro-active approach could then be used along with capital investment to prevent any identified recurring issues.  It was requested that any feedback regarding this analysis be brought back to the Board.

·  Letting Standards – extraction fans for bathrooms and kitchens were not included.  It was felt that an issue such as this could prevent future disrepair claims. It was suggested that further information on lettings standards with a breakdown of disrepair issues be brought to the Board.  A link was also made to the Housing Standards discussion held earlier.

·  Homeless preventions and follow up on cases that aren’t prevented.  The Director clarified the actions that are taken by the service where prevention has not been possible.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the most recent performance information relating to the six Housing Leeds priorities be noted.

(2)  That a report on the analysis of disrepair claim types and preventative measures, including links to the Lettings Standard and Leeds Housing Standard be brought to the next meeting of the Board.