Agenda item

This annual report provides an account of the role of the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness. It details their ambitions for their areas of responsibility, how they have, and how they will undertake political challenge and leadership and what their priorities and ambitions are for the year ahead.

Discussion:

The Committee received an overview of progress made on the areas within the scope of the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness, Councillor Louwella Prenter, which fell within the remit of this Committee. 

The Portfolio Holder responded to Members’ questions and comments as follows: 

Length of Voids – The Committee were informed that this was a snapshot taken at the end of October and that officers were working on trying to reduce the length of voids. The Portfolio Holder offered to provide more detailed information on the length of voids.

Savings from the purchase of temporary accommodation – Members queried when savings from the purchase of temporary accommodation would be realised. The Committee were informed that due to the use of grants it had been possible to purchase more properties and the benefit of savings from the use of temporary accommodation were already being seen. Additonal benefits included greater control over the quality of properties and reduced costs of borrowing.

Progress on improving C2 Judgement – Members requested an update on progress improving from a C2 judgement to C1 and were informed that meetings with the Regulator of Social Housing were now quarterly instead of monthly. The Committee were informed that the Regulator was reassured that the council was moving in the right direction and the next inspection would be likely to take place in 2029.

Tenants Panel – The positive impact was discussed, and the Committee were informed that the panel was comprised of a wide demographic that all live in different parts of social housing.

Bedroom size and overcrowding – Members requested clarity regarding the number of 1 and 2 bed properties purchased via the need and expressed concerns regarding potential overcrowding. Officers explained that 1 and 2 bed properties were purchased as this matched the demand and all accommodation had good space standards.

Rent Arrears – The Portfolio Holder offered to provide a briefing note giving the Committee further information on rent arrears and the work of the Sustainment team was briefly explained.

Article 4 Direction – The Portfolio Holder explained this would enable the council to identify HMO’s and have a better idea of where they were. Additional and selective licensing was also being progressed, and the next step was the consultation period with the aim to introduce additional and selective licensing by the summer of 2026.

Winter Shelter Funding – The Portfolio Holder explained that the Winter Shelter that runs from January to March had been given an ongoing funding commitment of 3 years.

Renters Rights Bill – The Committee were reassured that the housing team had been briefed and licensing was being progressed so that the council could ensure that properties were of a good standard and that Landlords took their responsibilities seriously, with enforcement measures in place if needed.

Members also discussed social value for tenants and external factors that were impacting on the viability of housing markets and the impact this had on the ability to provide affordable and social housing.

Decision:

a)    The Committee noted the report.

b)    The Portfolio Holder committed to provide further information on the length of voids.

c)    The Portfolio Holder committed to provide a briefing note on rent arrears.