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 made pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct.

To consider the notes of the last meeting of the Panel and any matter arising therefrom. (attached)

Noted.

(Chairman/Lead Officer) The Overview and Scrutiny Committee has agreed the Terms of Reference of this Panel. This is attached. The Panel are asked at each meeting to review this document.

Noted.

To consider the attached report.

S Devine presented the report. Noted that a more detailed report would be submitted to the next meeting to consider the legal powers, other measures available and also an outline of the issues that should be included in a strategy. Agreed that the staff implications of work be added to paragraph 13 of page 14.

Noted the work  the Council undertook with  East Thames Group to help those on a low income  gain property. Noted that it could be suggested to the Group that under this arrangement they give priority to leasing empty dwellings. Noted that these issues could be incorporated within an Empty Home Strategy.

ACTION

S Devine to produce further report for next meeting.

To consider the attached report. The Allocations Scheme document has been sent to members of the Panel separately.

Marion Pearce presented the report. Attention was drawn to an information booklet produced by Housing Services on the allocations scheme.

Noted the qualification criteria, referral information and priorities for the SAFE scheme. Noted the throughput and new use for Norway House and targets for secure tenancies.

The Panel considered the banding system for the prioritisation of housing applications. Noted that the assessment was based on needs and took into account the length of time an applicant lived in the area.  As a result of this priority was given to residents of the District.

The report was endorsed and recommended to the Cabinet on 10 October 2005.

To consider the attached report

R Wilson presented the report.

He drew attention to  staff implications, the regional fund for the scheme, Partnership working and  schemes at neighbouring Authorities.

The report was endorsed for the Portfolio Holder to consider.

To consider the attached report

R Wilson presented the report.

The report was endorsed and recommended to the Cabinet on 10 October 2005.

To consider the attached report and strategy.

P Pledger presented this report.

Members paid particular attention to the actions plans for the strategy and the proposal to set up two new residents associations each year from an agreed list. It was suggested that wards Members should be consulted over this action to seek their views on proposed schemes.

Members proposed that ward members should receive information and be consulted on specific ward issues and Tenant Participation activities.

RESOLVED:

(i)            That the Housing Service Strategy on Tenant Participation be noted.

(2)            That the Panels comments be incorporated within the Strategy.

To consider the attached report and Development Plan.

The Panel considered the third Six – monthly progress report on the Housing Development Plan together with a summary report which identified the improvements that had been made and those that had yet to be achieved.

RESOLVED:

That the third Six – Monthly Progress Report on the Housing Service Development Plan be noted.

To consider the attached report.

The Panel considered the latest Six – month progress report for the Key Action Plans  contained in the Housing Strategy 2004-07. The progress report set out the proposed actions the Council would take over the following 1-3 years to address housing needs in the District.

RESOLVED:

That the latest Six – month Progress Report for the Key Action Plans contained within the  in the Housing Strategy 2004-07 be noted.

The Panel considered the current position with regard to their work plan incorporating some additional tasks agreed by the Panel at recent meetings.

RESOLVED:

That the Progress Report on the Panel’s Work Programme 2005/06 be noted.

To consider which reports are ready to be submitted to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its next meeting.

There were no reports to be made.

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

ACTION:

Z Folley to place an item in the Members Bulletin to identify the Panels preferences regarding the date of the next meeting.