Issue - meetings

Report number CAB1 by the Leader on behalf of the Cabinet.

                                                                                                            (Enclosure)

DECISION:

(1)       To adopt the targets set within the Chief Executive’s report number CEX283 for both Affordable Housing and Recycling;

(2)       That the classification for Affordable Housing be reconsidered at a future date.

On behalf of the Cabinet, the Leader presented report number CAB1 which explained that following the Cabinet’s careful consideration of the Chief Executive’s report number CEX283, the outcome of the residents’ survey, and comments from all the DSPs, it had come to the conclusion to concur with the revised targets for Affordable Housing and Recycling.  The Cabinet also recommended that Affordable Housing remain a Category B priority but that this status be subject to future review.  The Cabinet’s recommendations were seconded.

An amendment was proposed and seconded that Affordable Housing be moved to a Category A priority as the outcome of the recent Housing Inspection had indicated that the Council’s progress to date represented a step change.  In support of the amendment, a member stated that, at the very least, moving this issue to a Category A priority was symbolically important for those in the community living without homes.  The Chief Executive was asked what was the definition of Affordable Housing.

The Chief Executive responded by stating there was no statutory definition of the term; it was up to local housing authorities to determine their definition and then implement it through its housing policy.  South Kesteven’s definition lent towards properties managed by social landlords.  Asked for clarification on what the Inspectors’ regarded as a step change, the Chief Executive emphasised that the Audit Commission’s report into the Council’s Housing Service was not yet in the public domain.  He could therefore only refer to what they said in their de-briefing; the comments made in relation to step change were only in relation to targets already written, not those proposed.

The Leader commented that the Cabinet had made its decision having considered the representations of the DSPs and the information before it.  Whether Affordable Housing was a category A or B priority would not prevent the Council providing every unit of affordable housing it possibly could.  She stressed that, ahead of the publication of the Audit Commission’s report, it would be inappropriate to re-classify this issue.

A vote was taken on the amendment which was lost.  A further vote on the original motion was carried.

Report by the Chief Executive.                           To Follow

DECISION: 

(1)     To refer the contents of the Chief Executive’s report CEX283 to the relevant Development and Scrutiny Panels before any formal endorsement by the Cabinet;

(2)     To adopt the new targets for Recycling as detailed in report CEX283.

Considerations/Reasons for Decision:

(1)        Report number CEX283 prepared by the Chief Executive asking the Cabinet formally to review that element of the Corporate Planning Framework concerning the Council’s priorities which are divided between Category A (step-change) and Category B (incremental change).  The Council has determined that this review should be undertaken annually;

(2)        In reviewing the services in categories A and B, consideration is given to new data available to the Council, in particular the results of the 2005 customer survey, reports from inspectors, any new government priorities and the performance of the Council against the targets set;

(3)        Indications from the un-weighted data of the customer survey show a strong support for the Council priorities, the Council’s Vision, and a fairly high level of pride in the local community;

(4)        Status of progress on recycling:  the Council’s ability to meet future recycling targets is becoming increasingly dependent upon its success in securing DEFRA grants.  DEFRA have made it clear that priority for future grant applications will be given to those Councils who have elected to set higher targets than the minimums set.  Increased targets for this priority would enable the Council to address the current inequity and variations in the service across the district which has resulted is some customer dissatisfaction;

(5)        Status of affordable housing:  improved projected provision in 2004/05 of new affordable homes – 60 compared with 35 in 2003/04.  Outcome of the Strategic Housing Services Inspection which has challenged several aspects of the Council’s performance in this area and suggested ways of improving.  The inspectors were of the opinion that targets already set represented a step-change.  Early indications from the Stock Options Appraisal Commission (SOAC) that stock transfer may emerge as a recommendation to the Council.  Coupled with a valuation of the housing stock, transfer could deliver a considerable capital receipt to the authority which could be used to fund the delivery of affordable housing.  Taking these factors into account, there would appear to be a clear justification in moving Affordable Housing from Category B to a Category A priority with consequential adjustments to the targets;

(6)        The Cabinet is of the view that the DSPs must have an opportunity to consider the above factors before any formal endorsement is taken by the Cabinet;

(7)        Because of the need to improve the Council’s performance on recycling, the revised targets are accepted.

Other options considered and assessed:

Category B - Planning and Conservation:  The Council has made substantial progress in improving the speed of planning applications and has exceeded most of the targets set.  As a result of this, new targets have been set and will be included in future Best Value Performance Plans.  In view of the importance of the service to residents and the present large  ...  view the full minutes text for item 115