Agenda and minutes

(Head of Research and Democratic Services)  To report the appointment of any substitute members for the meeting.

The Panel noted that there were no substitute members appointed for the meeting.

(Head of Research and Democratic Services). To declare interests in any items on the agenda.

In considering whether to declare a personal or a prejudicial interest under the Code of Conduct, Overview & Scrutiny members are asked pay particular attention to paragraph 11 of the Code in addition to the more familiar requirements.

This requires the declaration of a personal and prejudicial interest in any matter before an OS Committee which relates to a decision of or action by another Committee or Sub Committee of the Council, a Joint Committee or Joint Sub Committee in which the Council is involved and of which the Councillor is also a member.

Paragraph 11 does not refer to Cabinet decisions or attendance at an OS meeting purely for the purpose of answering questions or providing information on such a matter.

There were no declarations of interest pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct.

Recommendations:

(1)            That the Terms of Reference and Work Programme 2005/6 for the Scrutiny Panel, agreed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (attached), be noted;

(2)            That in compliance with the request made by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its 9 June 2005 meeting consideration be given to the priority of work plan item 14 (Initiatives for Reducing the Number of Empty Properties in the Private Sector); and

(3)            That the Panel agrees a preferred starting time for Panel meetings.

Report:

1.         At its meeting held on 9 June 2005, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed the Terms and Reference and Work Programme 2005/6 for the Housing Scrutiny Panel, which were proposed by the Chairman of the Panel in consultation with the Housing Portfolio Holder.  These are attached, which the Panel is asked to note.

2.         The Panel will note from the Work Programme that the minimum number of meetings is likely to be four per annum, which will be arranged on an ad hoc basis.  However, it is probable that one or two additional meetings may be necessary during the year, dependent on the amount and timing of business to be considered.

3.         Whilst considering the Programme, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed that the priority of review plan item 14(Initiatives for Reducing the Number of Empty Properties in the Private Sector) should be reconsidered. It suggested that the proposed priority did not match the importance of the subject especially in view of the fact that it would give the panel the opportunity to undertake ‘new style’ scrutiny investigations. It was agreed that this meeting would reconsider the issue.

4.         The Panel is asked to agree a preferred starting time for Panel meetings.

The Panel considered their terms of reference and work plan.

Noted that the OSC had asked the Panel to raise the priority given to work plan item 14- Initiatives for Reducing the Number of Empty Homes in the District.

S Stranders and L Swan of Care and Repair stated the team supported the views of OSC and had considered  the information  and action required to progress the review. Agreed that further information be obtained on the review (scope, legal requirements, initiatives implemented at other authorities) and that a work-plan be formulated to guide action and reported to the next meeting.

Agreed that a review of the Council’s Introductory Tenants Scheme be added to the work programme.

Agreed that starting times for future meetings be 5.00pm.

ACTION:

A Hall, S Stranders and L Swan to produce an item and work plan for next agenda.

To consider the attached report

(i)            Housing Service Strategy – Older Peoples Services

The Panel considered the report. Agreed that:

(a)                 paragraph 1.3 -  last sentence  be amended to read ..’The Strategy was approved by the Housing  Scrutiny Standing Panel and Housing Portfolio Holder.

(b)                 Paragraph 4.8 - Figure for number of leaflets on Services to Older People distributed be changed to 1178.

(c)                 Paragraph 6.1 – word ‘older’ to replace ‘elderly’.

(d)                 Paragraph 8.4.1 be reworded

(e)                 Paragraph 9.1 first Action in table be reworded to clarify current position.

ACTION:

R Wilson to amend report as indicated.

(ii)            Housing Service Strategy – Housing Management.

Agreed.

(Head of Housing Services) To consider the attached report.

Members agreed that information sessions be arranged for the following dates:

Housing Information Evening – 8 September 2005

Basic Housing Law Briefing for Housing Scrutiny Members (2 Sessions) – 13  September 2005 and 17 October 2005.

To consider the attached report

The Panel noted the report.

To consider the reports to be made to the next meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

No reports were submitted to the OSC for consideration.

Agreed that the next meeting would consider the following reports:

Housing Services Strategy on Tenants Participation.

Choice Based Lettings Scheme.

Allocation Scheme and Annual Review.

Six Monthly report on Local Supporting People Strategy

Housing Services Plan.

Introductory Tenants Scheme,

Initiatives for  Reducing the Number of Empty Homes in the District

Work Plan.

To consider the forward programme of meeting dates for the Panel.

Agreed that the next meeting be held on 15 September 2005 at 5.00pm. Room booking to be announced.