Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.  

The Delivery Plan sets out what Stockport Homes Group (SHG) will deliver during the period 2021 - 2026, how SHG and Stockport Council will work together, and how tenants, the council and other stakeholders can measure the success of Stockport Homes Group in achieving its objectives.  

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to note the Stockport Homes Delivery Plan 2022/23 Outcomes Report.  

Officer contact: Mark Glynn 0161 474 3700 | mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the Stockport Homes Group (SHG) delivery plan 2021 – 2026. The plan set out what SHG planned to deliver the period 2021 - 2026, how SHG and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) would work together, and how tenants, the council and other stakeholders could measure the success of SHG in achieving its objectives.

Sandra Coleing (Assistant Chief Executive, SHG) attended the meeting to respond to questions from members.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         SHG were assessing properties built between 1950 and 1990 with a concrete frame to see whether reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was present. It was noted that the housing regulator did not believe that RAAC was widespread in the housing stock, and that there was thought to be a small number of cases of RAAC present. If found, immediate action would be taken. The Scrutiny Committee would be kept informed of any developments.

·         Due to the cost-of-living crisis, more and more customers were approaching Stockport Homes to ‘Right Size’ their property to better suit their needs.

·         SHG were managing a backlog of repairs owing to the covid-19 pandemic. It was expected that the backlog of repairs could take up to 12 months. It was noted that customers were being kept informed on progress, and that emergency repairs were not affected.

·         SHG were commended for the support they had provided to residents during the cost-of-living crisis.

·         It was noted that cases of damp and mould had reduced but SHG were preparing for when the weather turned towards autumn/ winter. Ensuring that properties had not suffered from damp, mould or condensation had been a major focus of SHG’s over the last 12 months.

·         Progress on the Lancashire Hill regeneration plan would be reported to members when information became available.

·         It was advised that the council were working with Homes England as to how additional grants could be sought in supporting more affordable housing for Stockport. Land availability, high construction costs and the cost of borrowing money were challenges for the target for building.

Thanks were expressed to officers for a comprehensive report.

RESOLVED – That the Stockport Homes Delivery Plan 2022/23 Outcomes Report be noted.