Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 15 October 2019.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 15 October 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to the deletion of the words ‘Area Committee’ under item 4 ‘ Public Question Time.’

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

The following interest was declared:-

Councillor                                         Interest

Wendy Wild                                      Any discussion relating to Chelwood Foodbank

                                                           as a Trustee.

No urgent decisions were reported.

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 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 Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

No public questions were submitted.

To consider a report of the Director of Resources, Stockport Homes Ltd.

The report provides an update on the impact that welfare reform has had on customers to date.

The Committee are invited to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Christian Hartley on Tel: 0161 474 2824 or email: christian.hartley@stockporthomes.org

The Director of Resources, Stockport Homes Ltd submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the impact that welfare reforms had had on customers and the company to date.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Committee discussed issues relating to occupancy rates and managing rent arrears. All claims are made and managed online, claimants are paid monthly in arrears, in one payment to a bank account, and take personal responsibility for managing their budget.

·         Councillors requested further information in respect to the Rent Account Monitoring Software and the impact of the under-occupancy charge. It was noted that since April 2018 the Money Advice team have supported 14 households to become exempt from the under-occupancy cap and have supported customers to receive £24,000 in Discretionary Housing Payments to temporarily cover the shortfall.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Support

The report provides information about the Carecall Service and how it plans to maximise its service offer to support the aging population.

The Committee is invited to:-

·         Support the Transformative Model for the delivery of Telecare to Stockport Residents

·         Note the current work being undertaken, understand the future challenges and highlight any concerns about the proposed service development

·         Makes recommendations for any areas not currently being maximised upon

Officer contact: Jennifer Boswell, 0161 218 1655, Jennifer.boswell@stockporthomes.org

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Support, Stockport Homes Ltd submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing information in respect to the Carecall Service and how that service plans to maximise its service offer to help an ageing population.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Committee noted that the current service supported some 4800 people across Stockport, the majority of which received a ‘monitoring and falls response’ service.

·         Calls were monitored 24/7/365 from Cornerstone and the falls response service operated between 7am-10pm, seven days per week.

·         In 2018 the Carecall Service handled over 175,000 in-bound alarm calls and completed 3906 emergency visits.

·         The Committee heard what the current costs were to provide the service and the new charges which would be implemented from 1 April 2019.

·         The Carecall Concierge Business Plan 2018-2021 sets out a clear view to develop the service to increase the value to the wider population of Stockport. Councillors welcomed proposals to develop a Technology Enabled Living design blueprint and enhanced mobile technology.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Resources, Stockport Homes Ltd.

The report provides an update on financial performance to January 2019.

The Committee are invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: John Kennedy on Tel: 474 2868 or email: john.kennedy@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Resources, Stockport Homes Ltd submitted a report )copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on financial performance to January 2019.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report provides an update on performance against indicators and measures and or progress in implement the Services Improvement Plan for 2018/2019.

The Committee are invited to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Rob Lloyd on Tel: 474 3279 or email: rob.lloyd@stockporthomes.org

The Assistant Chief Executive, Stockport Homes Ltd submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on performance against indicators and measures and progress in implementing the Service Improvement Plan for 2018/2019.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report provides information on issues which may be of strategic interest to the Committee.

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the report.

The Chief Executive, Stockport Homes Ltd submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing information on issues which may be of strategic interest to the Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         In January 2019 land was acquired at Stockholm Road in Adswood and a contract was entered into with MCI Developments to build 24 new flats for social rent and 24 new flats for shared ownership.

·         The Committee welcomed the work being undertaken with the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that all stock met with fire safety regulations. All high rise buildings have recently undergone a new fire risk assessment, with these assessments being managed through an online portal that has dashboard features for reporting purposes.

·         On behalf of the Committee, the Chair congratulated officers for their success in the Stockport Business Awards and for being nominated in three categories for the TPAS Awards 2019. She wished them the best of luck.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.