Issue - meetings

To receive initial findings of housing stock condition surveys (report of the Assistant Director – Housing enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Housing which requested that Cabinet receive the initial findings of housing stock condition surveys.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing presented the report.

The interim findings of the stock condition survey detailed ongoing efforts to ensure Council homes met the Decent Homes Standard (DHS). It encompassed all Council-owned dwellings within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), as well as occupied domestic properties in the general fund. The survey examined property components, e.g. kitchens, hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), and energy efficiency. Of 3,927 surveys issued, 2,428 had been completed as at 17 March. Updated data would ensure accurate DHS reporting.

Category 1 hazards identified had been resolved. The service recognised damp, condensation, and mould (DCM) as a priority with specialist resources engaged for remedial works. Energy efficiency improvements were aligned with the Green Homes Grant scheme. A final report would be presented back to the Performance Monitoring Panel and this data would be used to shape the HRA Business Plan and Asset Management Strategy.

Consideration was given to the report and the following issues were raised:

·       There was some concern regarding the resource impact on the team as a result of the Government’s new legislation however, the report was well received.

·       It was encouraging to see that the Authority had a very high percentage of decent homes.

DECISION:

That the work underway to survey all residential council homes and associated assets be noted; and that the feedback provided by the Performance Monitoring Panel, expressly that the Housing Department should ensure the appropriate financial and human resources are available to meet all needs and requirements arising from stock condition surveys also be noted.

(Other options considered:

·       Do nothing – Not to consider information presented regarding the stock condition survey findings.  This option was not recommended;

Reasons for decision:

·       The purpose of the report was to inform members of the progress and findings to date towards ensuring that the Council had robust data on the condition of its homes).