Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The annual Outcomes Report for 2023-24 provides assurance to the council that SHG is delivering against agreed Objectives and provides a range of information to demonstrate outcomes from the wide range of services delivered. The Mid-Term review ensures that the Objectives within the Delivery Plan are reviewed, up-to-date, and remain fit for purpose.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to consider and note the Outcomes Report for 2023-24 and the Mid-Term Review of the 2021-26 Delivery Plan.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax on 0161 474 4319 or email andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which aimed to provide assurance to the council that Stockport Homes Group (SHG) was delivering against agreed objectives. The report provided a range of information to demonstrate outcomes from the wide range of services delivered. The purpose of the Mid-Term Review of the 2021-26 Delivery Plan was to ensure that the objectives within the Delivery Plan were up-to-date and fit for purpose.

Carmel Chambers (Deputy Chief Executive, Stockport Homes Group) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         It was noted that the team were working through the Grenfell report recently published to review lessons learnt. Members were reassured that SHG properties met all fire safety regulations following the first review and none of the unsafe cladding that affected the Grenfell Tower disaster was in use.

·         The figures for the number of complaints within the report was queried, as they reportedly differed to a recent report considered by the Member Committee. It was noted that the information would be cross-checked for clarity.

·         It was noted that the figures for anti-social behaviour (ASB) levels were higher in Stockport than in other GM boroughs, and it was felt that this was a testament to the reporting mechanisms in place and promotion of the ASB service.

·         It was confirmed that the demographic of the client base did impact the way services worked e.g., SHG were supporting the younger demographic with work and skills.

·         It was noted that the independent review of SHG was expected to be completed by Christmas and the results of which would help to inform whether finance reports should be considered by the Member Committee or the Economy, Regeneration & Climate Change Scrutiny Committee. In relation to the review, it was felt that it was important to have external validation that the existing model worked well and opportunities for learning were sought.

·         The visibility of the webchat function on the SHG website was queried; the team would take away an action to ensure that the webchat icon was more visible.  

·         In response to a question raised regarding the age of the building and infrastructure at Lancashire Hill, members were advised that a high-rise review was ongoing and resident feedback would be an important part of that process.

·         It was noted that Housing Revenue Account stipulated that tenant rent monies should be spent on services to tenants.

RESOLVED – That the Stockport Homes Delivery Plan Outcomes Report 2023/24 and the Mid-Term Review of the 2021-26 Delivery Plan be noted.