Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 July 2020

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on the 6 July 2020 were approved as a correct record.

Councillors and Officers to declare any interests which they may have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

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

No declarations of interest were made.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Committee.

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 questions via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions)

No public questions were submitted.

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

The report presents the Customer Voice and Influence Strategy for comment.

The Committee is invited to comment on the strategy.

Officer Contact: Rebecca Sweeton on 0161 218 1368 or email: rebecca.sweeton@stockporthomes.org

The Assistant Chief Executive, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which presented the Customer Voice and Influence Strategy for comment.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members considered this to be an extremely comprehensive report and were pleased to note all the work that was being done to improve community engagement and to increase participation in decision making.

·         It was noted that this report follows on from the previous strategy and the development was clear to see.

·         Members asked whether the strategy applied across the whole Stockport Homes Group and whether this could be made more explicit?

RESOLVED – (i) That the report be noted.

(ii) That the Action Plan would be forwarded on to all Committee Members.

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

The report updated the committee on the impact Covid-19 had had on Stockport Homes over the last six months, outlining challenges and opportunities for the future.

The Committee is invited to note the report and provide any further comments for consideration.

Officer Contact: Sandra Coleing on 07800 617688 or email: sandra.coleing@stockporthomes.org

The Assistant Chief Executive, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which updated the committee on the impact Covid-19 had had on Stockport Homes over the last six months, outlining challenges and opportunities for the future.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Concern was expressed regarding the more prudent approach some lenders were taking to lending for shared ownership and consequently that they had refused to provide mortgages for customers on Stockholm Road. Members asked why this was and what alternative tenure options had been explored?  In response, Members were advised that the demand for shared ownership remained high and that there was a nervousness around lending in general.  In this case Japanese Knotweed on an adjacent site had also been identified as an issue.

·         Members were also advised that there were fewer lenders to approach for mortgages for shared ownership but all possibilities were being explored.

·         In response to Members’ questions regarding the increase in Anti-Social Behaviour, it was reported that although this remained at higher levels than this time last year, it was considered that it may be due to the further restrictions and that people’s tolerance levels were being tested. Stockport Homes were working with Stockport Council on an Anti-Social Behaviour project which would focus on education and enforcement issues.

·         Members commented that they were pleased to see people back at work, where it was safe for them to do so.

RESOLVED (i) That the report be noted.

(ii) It was agreed that an update on the COVID situation would be provided at the next meeting of the Member Committee on 15 February 2021.

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

The report provides an update on performance against corporate objectives.

The Committee is invited to:-

·         Note performance and the improvement actions outlined in the report;

·         Raise any issues of concern about the explanations presented where targets or objectives have not been met.

Officer Contact: Rob Lloyd on 0161 474 3279 or email: rob.lloyd@stockporthomes.org

The Assistant Chief Executive, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been submitted) which provided an update on performance against corporate objectives.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         In response to a question relating to how Stockport Homes compared against similar organisations nationally in terms of the average time to re-let empty properties, Members were advised that Stockport Homes remained number 1 in terms of turnaround times.  COVID had presented some challenges, but everything remained on target.

·         Members commented that the performance of Stockport Homes in these very difficult and challenging times was excellent especially in terms of continuing to maintain excellent service levels for customers.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Resources

The report provides an update on Stockport Homes’ financial performance to August 2020.

The Committee is recommended to note and comment on the latest financial results.

Officer Contact: John Kennedy on 0161 474 2868 or email: john.kennedy@stockporthomes.org

The Director of Resources submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated which provided an update on Stockport Homes’ financial performance to August 2020.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members noted that there were some large variances in terms of income but were assured that it was likely that this would catch up in the next financial year.

·         In response to a question regarding transport costs, Members were advised that these covered fleet costs in the main, such as Care Call vans.  Some travel allowances were also included.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report updates Members on issues not included in other reports but which are likely to be of interest.

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

The Assistant Chief Executive, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which updated Members on issues not included in other reports but which are likely to be of interest.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         A short discussion took place relating to where and how money was currently being spent in Adswood.

·         Members were pleased to see the Counselling Service was still operating and asked how this was promoted.  In response, Members were advised that this was done through social media and staff promotion.  There was a huge demand for the service and it was under constant review in order to reach its target audience.

·         Members were pleased to note that the OWLS Group who support people experiencing domestic violence had won an Excellence in Community Action award at the TPAS Awards.

·         The furniture service continued to be a lifeline for many people and a short discussion took place on how donations could be made.

·         Members raised the issue of the virtual tour and whether this was something that could be revisited in the future?

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.