Meeting documents

The PAG received an update report from the Head of Healthy Communities, which was delivered on his behalf by the Housing Manager, which covered the ongoing work within the service. In particular the following points were noted:-

·         Housing allocations – there had been an even spread of lettings over 2018. The extra 40 housing units at Taplow had meant that waiting time performance had improved.

·         Homelessness – there were 43 people in temporary accommodation in January 2019. The number of clients specifically in nightly booked accommodation was a 57% reduction on the equivalent number in temporary accommodation 12 months before. This reduction had been achieved despite the decommissioning of the eight former Gerrards Cross Police Houses which were fully vacated in December 2019.

·         Housing standards – the extension to the HMO Licensing came into effect from October 2018. To date 15 new licences have been issued for previously unlicensed HMOs that now fell within the new extended HMO definition. Reference was also made to the new pilot for Handy Helpers Scheme to help deliver minor repairs, adaptations and help with day to day tasks to elderly and vulnerable residents in partnership with other District Councils. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act would come into force from 20 March 2019 which would require all social and private landlords in England to ensure that a property was fit for human habitation at the beginning and through the duration of the tenancy. If a home does not meet the standard tenants would have the right to take legal action.

Members passed on their congratulations to staff for their work on homelessness and reducing nightly accommodation costs. A Member asked a question about how this Council compared to other Councils. The Housing Manager reported that the direction of travel on the private sector leasing scheme was good but that it was difficult to compare benchmarking information at the moment because of the introduction of the new Homelessness Reduction Act. Some Council’s had seen an upturn in applications but it was still too early to say whether this would lead to an increase in the use of temporary accommodation.  A review of the impact of the new Act would be undertaken after 12 months.

Members then asked about the impact of the changes in relation to Universal Credit. This had currently not directly impacted on homelessness although some clients in nightly booked temporary accommodation had faced problems with meeting day to day living costs due to reduced Universal Credit awards. L&Q were providing advice to people about how to claim for Universal Credit and to ensure that they get the money they should be due. Information could also be obtained from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Officers would monitor the situation as it could take some time to see any impact from the legislative changes.

The Housing Manager reported that L&Q had development projects for small plots of land, however this had been impacted by the slow down in the property market. A Member referred to a possible development in her area and the Housing Manager reported that he would discuss this with L&Q.

In answer to a question it was noted that the extension to HMO Licensing related to all social and private landlords. The property would have to meet the standard of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. If the landlord refused to fix any hazards in the property then enforcement action could be taken. However, hazards would not cover issues such as the property being damp, but this was also covered by the Act. Further clarity was being sought over the procedures under this legislation in terms of who carried out assessments. A further question was asked about support to tenants who wanted to take legal action. Advice could be obtained through the normal channels such as Citizen Advice Bureau and also some legal firms were offering advice on a no win no fee basis.

Members referred to the Bath Road Depot and noted that this project had been slightly delayed but was now scheduled for April/May. Regular liaison meetings were taking place with both the builder and the Registered Provider who would be leasing the units from the Council.

There were 40 flats for affordable rent and 20 for shared ownership at Mill Lane Taplow. A Member asked how many units had gone to people over 55 and the Housing Manager reported that he would investigate this.

It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.