Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

Under the long term Management Agreement with Stockport Council, Stockport Homes is required to provide it with a five yearly Delivery Plan.  The Delivery Plan for the 2016 – 2021 was approved in 2016.  This is the third annual report of the Delivery Plan 2016-2021. The Delivery Plan and the annual outcomes report ensures that there is continuous improvement in the services to tenants and the delivery of decent, modern homes that meet the needs and aspirations of the communities in Stockport.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment and note the report.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax, telephone:  0161-474-4319; email: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the third annual report of the Delivery Plan 2016-2021.  The Delivery Plan and the annual outcomes report aimed to ensure that there was continuous improvement in the services to tenants and the delivery of decent, modern homes that met the needs and aspirations of the communities in Stockport.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) attended the meeting to respond to councillors’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Further information was requested in relation to the proportion of those housing fraud investigations that did not result in further action being taken.

·         The management fee received by Stockport Homes had reduced year-on-year which contributed to the overall savings that the Council had been required to make.

·         It was suggested that consideration should be given to the format of future Delivery Plan Outcome reports.  In response it was stated that a more ‘user-friendly’ version of the report was produced for customers of Stockport Homes.

·         Further information was requested on the number of voids and the trend of these throughout the year.  It was stated that the number was generally stable and was lower than comparator housing providers.

·         There had been a significant number of mutual exchanges agreed following the introduction of the bedroom tax, however while numbers had now reduced, Stockport Homes remained proactive in this area.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.