Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2016.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 14 September 2014 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to the inclusion of Councillor Peter Burns in the list of those members present.

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.

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 Area 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 Corporate Services, Stockport Homes.

The report sets out the draft delivery plan for comment prior to the final report being submitted to the Stockport Homes Board and the Council Executive.

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

Officer Contact: Gill Bennett on Tel: 474 3823 or email: gill.bennett@stockporthomes.org

The Director for Corporate Services, Stockport Homes Ltd (copies of which had been circulated) providing for comment the draft delivery plan prior to the final version being submitted to the Stockport Homes Board and the Council Executive for approval.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Given the financial constraints and expectations of Local Government Reform – it was suggested that Stockport Homes explore opportunities to work collaboratively with the Council when implementing changes to the way that services are delivered.

·         Carecall would continue to work with the Council to support more vulnerable residents which it was hoped would reduce demand on care and hospital services. Opportunities to operate commercially in new markets would also be explored with a view to generating income to support core services.

·         In respect to staffing, the company intends to develop a Workforce Plan, the key elements of which will focus on recruitment and retention, succession planning, flexible working, talent management and reward and recognition.

·         Councillors welcomed and acknowledged the efforts made to reduce and manage staff sickness.

·         The Committee discussed the possibility of a Social Enterprise running a café in the reception of the newly built office headquarters.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Corporate Services, Stockport Homes.

The report provides and update on the impact of the latest welfare reform changes that have occurred during 2015/2016 for Stockport Homes’ customers.

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

Officer Contact: Tanya King on Tel: 474 2887 or email: tanya.king@stockporthomes.org

The Director of Corporate Services, Stockport Homes Ltd submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the impact of the latest Welfare Reform changes that have occurred during 2015/2016 for customers and the company.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Since the roll out of Universal Credit in November 2014 – the total caseload of new claimants had steadily increased from 213 in July 2015 to 341 at the end of December 2015.

·         The Stockport Credit Union would be offering immediate loans to customers for the first time – Councillors enquired as to what the expected interest rates on such loans would be.

·         Councillors discussed the impact of universal credit and the challenges presented in respect to maintaining high performance levels.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Finance, Stockport Homes.

The report provides an update in respect to a proposal to create a group structure arrangement.

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

Officer Contact: Suzanne Frier on Tel: 474 44120 or email: Suzanne.friar@stockporthomes.org

The Director of Finance, Stockport Homes Ltd submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update in respect to proposals to create a group structure arrangement.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Councillors enquired what the anticipated tax savings that would be generated through the proposed group structure.

·         A written response was promised in respect to whether properties which were subject to charitable status could also be subject to right to buy.

·         The establishment of a trade company to facilitate growth and diversification was considered and how this would impact on the work of Solutions SK Ltd

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

To consider a report of the Director of Corporate Services, Stockport Homes.

The report provides an update on Stockport Homes’ compliance with the Homes and Communities Agency Regulatory Framework for Social Housing in England.

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

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

The Director of Corporate Services, Stockport Homes Ltd submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing at update on Stockport Homes’ compliance with the Homes and Communities Agency Regulatory Framework for Social Housing in England.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Corporate Services.

The report provides an update on performance against targets and the actions in the Service Improvement Plans.

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

Officer Contact: Katalin Szavai on Tel: 474 3764 or email: katalin.szavai@stockporthomes.org

The Director of Corporate Services, Stockport Homes Ltd submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on performance against targets and actions in the Services Improvement Plan (SIP).

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Clarification was sought in respect to the information provided on Void turnaround as detailed in Figure 3 of the submitted report.

·         The delay and funding options for a woodchip processing plant and distribution centre for the supply of raw materials.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Finance, Stockport Homes.

The report provides an update on Stockport Homes’ financial performance between April 2015 and December 2015.

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

Officer Contact: Suzanne Frier on Tel: 474 4410 or email: Suzanne.frier@stockporthomes.org

The Director of Finance, Stockport Homes Ltd submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the financial performance of the company between April 2015 and December 2015.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.