Agenda item

Housing Stock Condition Survey

To inform Cabinet of the updated findings of housing stock condition surveys (report of the Assistant Director – Housing enclosed).

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Housing which provided the Cabinet with updated findings of housing stock condition surveys.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing introduced the report and highlighted the following points:

  • Access had been gained to over 3,000 properties, which equated to 87.7% coverage across the district.
  • The surveys assessed the lifespan of major components, identified hazards within properties and updated Energy Performance Certificates where appropriate.
  • With over 80% of housing stock surveyed, this provided sufficient data to begin the production of the 30 year business plan and development of the five year asset management strategy.

 

Members considered the report and raised the following points:

  • Members commented that a reasonably low percentage of stock had been surveyed in Holbeach compared to other areas and asked whether this could be an area of focus.
    • The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing responded that the focus as a whole was on getting into as many properties as possible, regardless of where they were in the district. There had been additional challenges within that particular area but a wave of additional contact with residents at properties not yet surveyed was currently being undertaken.
    • She added that the figures had significantly improved from those listed in the report which had been taken at the end of August.
    • She also noted that all sheltered housing properties had now been surveyed, with the help of the Independent Living team.
  • Members commented that a significant discussion had been had at PMP, particularly in regard to the reoccurrence of damp and mould problems, but they had been reassured that officers were working hard to ensure this was limited.
    • The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing commented that no damp and mould case would be completed closed until a six-month assessment had been completed to help prevent reoccurrence.
    • The Housing Property and Repairs Manager added that there was currently a very small number of properties, in single figures, that had to be revisited for a damp and mould case.
  • The Leader queried whether it was older houses in particular that had a problem with damp and mould.
    • The Housing Property and Repairs Manager responded that data analysis was currently being undertaken on the whole housing stick to determine themes of property age and type. Early indication had shown that there wasn’t a particular age range for damp and mould issues.
  • Members questioned whether there was a common reason for not being able to access a property.
    • The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing advised that there were no themes, but appointments were now being offered at different times of the day to assist with this.
    • She added that there had been nervousness among sheltered housing tenants, but the Independent Living team had assisted with this.

 

DECISION:

 

That the progress on stock condition surveys be received.

 

(Other options considered

Reason for decision:

 

Supporting documents: