Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 February 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 14 February 2022 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.

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

No public questions were submitted.

To consider a verbal presentation by Tanya King, Stockport Homes

The verbal report provides Member Committee with an update on the cost of Living.

Member Committee is requested to note and comment on the report.

Officer contact: Tanya King Tel: 0161 218 1091 Email: tanya.king@stockporthomes.org

Tanya King, Stockport Homes gave a verbal presentation which provided Member Committee with an update on the cost of Living.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         In response to a Member question relating to the number of customers who had pre-payment meters for fuel and the impact of this, the Committee was advised that there was likely to be a 50/50 split between SHG customers who were on pre-payment meters and those on credit billing meters.  Many customers tend to prefer being able to budget weekly with a pre-payment meter, but SHG does discuss the benefit of credit meters and will assist customers if they wish to change their payment method.

·         With regards to fuel vouchers, demand is quite varied. It was unusual to get too many full time working households asking for vouchers (and this was usually due to unforeseen circumstances). The majority of customers who are supported with fuel vouchers tend to be on benefits and/or working part time hours, often struggling at the end of the month when they have not worked sufficient hours due to ill-health etc.  or they have had unexpected costs during the month or simply due the increase in cost of living.

·         Members requested more information relating to Employment Support.  In response the Committee was advised that the Employment team moved 72 customers into work in Quarter 1, an increase on the previous quarter which had 66 successes.  The Stockport Homes Employment and Training Team worked closely with local businesses and the DWP to deliver exciting sector-based opportunities for customers seeking employment.  Since the beginning of 2022 the team have worked with Sky, Smyths Toys and McDonald’s designing unique employment events for customers. In total 65 customers have attended assessment centres with 48 progressing through to training and interviews and 21 moving on to secure employment.

·         As part of these events the Employment team reached out to Smart Works and Trafford Working Wardrobe to provide an additional personal styling service to ensure that customers were looking their best and interview ready. Feedback had been fantastic with many customers focusing on how much they loved the personal styling experience.

·         Stockport Homes launched the SMBC commissioned Steps to Work Programme in April. This programme supports young people from challenging backgrounds to secure employment and provides employers with a £4500 grant incentive to contribute to their first 6 months. High levels of promotional work had been undertaken with community groups, statutory services and voluntary groups who link with young people who are Care Leavers and NEET (not in education, employment or training) and SEND (Special education needs and disability). Employers had been engaged via the SKylight website and promotional activity resulting in employers coming forward with exciting opportunities for young people. Two young people were due to start work in June and will be supported by the programme for their first 6 months in post, attending classroom video sessions and live lunchtime interactive Zoom events. 

·         Members emphasised the need to capture residents who do not have access to email or the internet, when providing supportive information.

·         Members asked whether there was anything that could be done to help those on the waiting list for access to the pantries.  Members were advised that SHG was having issues with food supply especially with Fareshare. SHG therefore felt that it would not be responsible to open another pantry and spread supplies even thinner.  At the present time the pantries were at full capacity but another pantry will happen at some point, probably in Offerton, and SHG have been identifying other suppliers.

·         Members requested an update on pantries at the October meeting of the Member Committee.

·         A short discussion took place on why this part of Greater Manchester was having supply problems.

·         Members requested that the leaflets that were used as part of the presentation be circulated.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report updates Member Committee on how Stockport Homes delivered its objectives in 2021/22 and additional plans for 2022/23.

Member Committee is requested to comment on the contents of the report, which will then be presented to Stockport Homes Board and the Council’s Communities and Housing Scrutiny Committee.

Officer contact:  Sandra Coleing 0161 474 2867 Email: Sandra.coleing@stockporthomes.org

The Assistant Chief Executive, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated which updated Member Committee on how Stockport Homes delivered its objectives in 2021/22 and additional plans for 2022/23.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members asked a question relating to the 360 properties that were listed as to be bought or refurbished.  In response Members were advised that the intention was to sell these properties in order to gain a revenue which could then be reinvested.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report provides Member Committee with details of tenant experiences using data from a range of customer interactions.

Member Committee is requested to note the report and raise any questions about the content presented in the report.

Officer contact; Sandra Coleing 07800 617688 Email: Sandra.coleing@stockporthomes.org

The Assistant Chief Executive, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided Member Committee with details of tenant experiences using data from a range of customer interactions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members asked whether the Remote App was available to all residents and not just tenants. In response, Member Committee was advised that both SHG customers and private residents could use the Remote app to report ASB.  Any resident with an open ASB case was given a QR code which they use through the app to report incidents going forward.

RESOLVED – that the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Director of Operations.

The report provides a summary of the 2021/2022 Capital Programme.

Member Committee is requested to note and comment on the report.

Officer contact: Andrew Broadhurst, Project Manager 07875990093 Email: andrew.broadhurst@stockporthomes.org

The Executive Director of Operations Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which were circulated) which provided a summary of the 2021/2022 Capital Programme.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members asked whether SHG were looking for new build sites and if so what was the criteria?  In response, Member Committee was advised that there was a development strategy which outlined the criteria and this would be brought to a future Member Committee meeting.  There was a pipeline of schemes over 5 years which should see around 200 units per year being delivered.  It was necessary to look at a value for money criteria. New sites were always being sought.

·         A short discussion took place relating to electric vehicle charging points and their availability.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Director of Operations.

The report provides an overview of Customer Safety compliance, performance and activity during 2021/2022 and highlights initiatives to be undertaken during 2022/2023.  The report also aims to provide assurance that Stockport Homes Group’s properties and buildings continue to be managed safely and in line with statutory obligations.

Member Committee is requested to note and comment on the report.

Officer contact: Zoe Bate, Head of Customer Safety, 07976241724 Email: Zoe.Bate@stockporthomes.org

The Executive Director of Operations Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an overview of Customer Safety compliance, performance and activity during 2021/2022 and highlights initiatives to be undertaken during 2022/2023.  The report also aimed to provide assurance that Stockport Homes Group’s properties and buildings continue to be managed safely and in line with statutory obligations.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members raised the issue of asbestos management and what the plan was in relation to its removal.  In response, Members were advised that there is a formal removal programme but it would be reviewed on a case by case basis.

·         In response to a Member question, the Committee was advised that there had been no cases of legionella disease.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report provides assurance to Member Committee that the Council owned stock is meeting the applicable Regulatory Standards set out by the Regulator of Social Housing.

Member Committee is requested to note the report and take assurance from the Regulatory Compliance Assessment in relation to Council owned stock.

Officer contact: Samantha Donigan, Head of Assurance 07967 469 635 Email: Samantha.donigan@stockporthomes.org

The Assistant Chief Executive, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided assurance to Member Committee that the Council owned stock is meeting the applicable Regulatory Standards set out by the Regulator of Social Housing.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Director of Resources, Stockport Homes

The report provides Member Committee with an update of Stockport Homes’ financial performance to March 2022 and an April 2022 update.

Member Committee is requested to note the report and comment upon the latest financial results.

Officer contact: John Kennedy, Assistant Director of Finance 01614742868

Email: john.kennedy@stockporthomes.org

The Executive Director of Resources, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided Member Committee with an update of Stockport Homes’ financial performance to March 2022 and an April 2022 update.

RESOLVED -That the report be noted.

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

The report provides an update on performance against indicators and on progress in implementing the Service Improvement Plan (SIP) for 2021/22.

Member committee is requested to note the report and raise any issues of concern about the explanations presented where targets or objectives have not been met.

Officer contact; Reece Rowling, Strategy and Insight Officer 0161 474 3279 Email: reece.rowlinson@stockporthomes.org

The Assistant Chief Executive, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an update on performance against indicators and on progress in implementing the Service Improvement Plan (SIP) for 2021/22.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the 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 Chief Executive, Stockport Homes submitted a report (copies of which were 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:

·         Members welcomed the information relating to the gender pay gap.

·         Members were very thankful for the comprehensive nature of the reports.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.