Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 October 2014.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 13 October 2014 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair on any matters within the powers and duties of the Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.  (Questions must be submitted no later than prior to the commencement of the meeting on the card provided.  These are available at the meeting. You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions)

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Chair on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

No public questions were submitted.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive, Stockport Homes Ltd.

A representative of the Chief Executive, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the impact of Welfare Reform on Stockport Homes’ customers and as a business since the last update in April 2014.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         1,455 Stockport Homes’ customers were initially affected by the under occupancy rules introduce in April 2013. As of the end of November 2014, 994 households were under occupying their homes and the total value of under occupancy charges for all tenants since April 2013 was £1.19m.

·         Consequently, two Welfare Reform Support officers were employed to support the 587 customers affected by the reforms who had not yet fallen into arrears.

·         The company has been successful in supporting customers who wish to move to a smaller home. This has resulted in 36 applicants transferring to a smaller property during the first six months of 2014. 109 people remain on the transfer register.

·         Councillors requested further information in respect to under occupancy charges and how the companies compared to other similar organisation.

·         The growth of the Credit Union over the last two years with total assets now exceeding £1m. Discussions will take place over forthcoming months to determine whether new products can be developed for Stockport Homes customers.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive, Stockport Homes Ltd.

A representative of the Chief Executive, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing and update to the committee regarding progress made in relation to the new build and acquisition programmes.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Since the completion of the first Stockport Homes’ new build schemes in 2010, the organisation has successfully delivered a further eleven new build schemes and acquired a further 80 existing properties.

·         Stockport Homes are looking for opportunities outside the grant regime such as Section 106 agreements with private developers.

·         Subject to receiving planning permission – the Affordable Housing Programme 2015-18 will result in 279 new homes being built. In addition Stockport Homes have secured the development of 49 properties through section 106 obligation of private sector house builders.

·         Land availability and the suitability of land remains a major concern and prohibits the development of affordable housing which is in short supply in Stockport. In addition, land prices were increasing which compounded the problem.

·         All houses acquired were brought up to the appropriate standards before they were leased to tenants.

·         It was agreed that further information would be circulated to members in respect to rent levels for the future new developments.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive, Stockport Homes Ltd.

A representative of the Chief Executive, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on performance against indicators and measures and the Service Improvement Plan (SIP) for the second quarter of 2014/2015 and an update on performance in November 2014.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Performance against the homelessness indicator was expected to improve by the end of the financial year but it was likely that the year end target would not be met. The rise in homelessness acceptances affecting the indicator was largely due to an increase in homeless presentations from people with complex mental health and substance misuse issues.

·         At the end of November 2014, sickness stood at 4.53 days per full time equivalent employee against the target of 4.03 days which was a decrease compared to previous months.

·         A separate report would be submitted to a future meeting relating specifically to the issue of insurance.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

To consider a report of the Chief Executive, Stockport Homes Ltd.

A representative of the Chief Executive, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) presenting for consideration the latest financial information as it relates to the company.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was noted that a large proportion of the forecast underspend related to ring fenced budgets such as water and the fraud initiative. Those monies would be carried forward to spend on initiatives in future years.

·         £5.705m had been awarded to build 249 units across Stockport between 2015-2018 resulting in a total new build development programme of £26.5 million over the three year period.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider and approve dates for future meeting of the Committee.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager, in consultation with the Chief Executive, Stockport Homes be requested to identify and programme appropriate dates for quarterly meetings of the Committee.