Agenda item

A report to update Members on the Housing Task and Finish group’s work in relation to the Housing Service’s void management including the context of the Covid-19, the restructure of the Council’s front facing services in April 2020 and subsequent operational changes related to void management and performance.

Andrew Cotton, Director for Housing and Communities gave a brief summary of the report, the purpose of which was to update Members on the work of the Housing Voids Task and Finish Group, in relation to the Housing Service’s void management.

Mr. Cotton highlighted that the report detailed:

• context and performance, particularly in relation to the Covid-19 impact on the landlord and void function.  This would feature in the Council’s new ways of working, as it progressed its recovery planning.
• changes in the structure of the landlord function to make sure the Council had capacity across tenancy management, specifically in dealing with voids.
• the mission statement of the Council’s weekly Working Group, which was based around the efficient letting of homes at the right time to the required standard.
• current void turnaround performance.  This was difficult to predict as average monthly figures were subject to change.
• that the Housing Voids Working Group had started to develop the performance indicators needed to identify and categorise void properties (as re-let properties, properties in need of decent homes work or properties held for regeneration or redevelopment purposes).  This would help the Council to understand the demands on the voids process.
• the Group’s recommendations and comments on activities and challenges to delivery, including input into the work on the Northgate system, which was an important aspect of service delivery.
• contract arrangements relating to management of the void properties contract.  Quality and performance issues were being dealt with as necessary.
• the recommendation to implement a new voids policy.  A voids policy and re-let standard was key and it was anticipated that this would be in place by April 2021.

Councillor Alan Pearson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities advised that a review of the Council’s voids management had revealed that a great deal of work was needed to improve the service.  The Council had a good focus on this issue and recognised that the service needed to be fit for purpose long-term.   Many improvements had already been undertaken but there was still much to be done.

Councillor Pearson highlighted that there may be a number of additional issues to be dealt with as a result of Covid-19.  The Council needed to consider building more social housing (as well as purchasing it).

Councillor Pearson thanked the Committee for their work in gathering information, which had been very helpful to the review.

During discussion the following points were noted:

• Members were pleased with the improvement to the turnaround times of void properties and thanked Councillor Pearson and Mr. Cotton for their work.
• reducing the need to use bed and breakfast facilities as much as possible was a priority for the Council.  Families and individuals needed permanent, secure and safe properties to live in.  Use of bed and breakfast was also not a cost effective solution.  A lodging system, where home owners were encouraged to take-in lodgers was an option for consideration but there may always be a need to use bed and breakfast facilities in cases of emergency.
• consideration of the use of ‘golden goodbyes’ to encourage tenants to keep properties in good condition was noted and it was highlighted that it was vital to establish the correct management of properties before considering other initiatives and strategies.
• Mr. Cotton would provide the Committee with the latest void turnaround figures and would identify the relevant categories (re-lets, in need of decent homes work or held for regeneration or redevelopment), as referred to above).
• Members requested figures on homelessness, rent areas, expected eviction etc. and a list of the anticipated suite of policies to enable progress and prioritisation to be tracked.
• Councillor Pearson expected to receive an update report on homelessness and would circulate this to Members of this Committee.
• Mr. Cotton would confirm whether a Council grant/loan in respect of private rent deposits was available to those eligible.
• The importance of balancing the need for good social mix with social type was highlighted.

RESOLVED

The Committee NOTED the report and PROVIDED the above comments in relation to progress on previous recommendations and current Covid-19 impact.