Agenda item

The report updates the Committee on actions to ensure regulatory compliance of the Council’s social housing landlord function following the non-compliance notice issued by the Regulator of Social Housing.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Property introduced the progress report on the Council’s journey to full recovery of compliance with the regulator of the Social Housing Home Standard.

The Council’s Chief Executive, Director for Housing and Property and the Assistant Director for Housing had continued monthly meetings with the regulator. Compliance meetings were also being held with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Housing Property.

The charts set out in the appendix in the report outlined changes within the performance and measures to ensure high compliance percentages could be met.

It was highlighted that good practice suggested that landlords should undertake a comprehensive stock condition survey every five years.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Property confirmed that tenant’s involvement was progressing, and two workshops had taken place. The ‘Rant and Rave’ system had also been launched for tenants to provide feedback and events with officers were in place.

The Chairman raised a query on the number of tenants responses.

The Director of Housing and Property confirmed that out of 6000 tenants in South Kesteven, an initial 12.84% had responded to the Big Listen survey, which had since doubled to a response rate of 25%.

One Member raised queries in regard to access to properties with achievement dates of April 2022:

·       Whether legal action had been taken on inaccessible properties for electrical testing.

·       Whether the remaining 8 properties had been accessed for legionella testing.

·       Why there had been a reduction in asbestos compliance testing since February.

The Director for Housing and Property confirmed that 10% of properties had issues with access for electrical testing due to reasons around covid, vulnerability, illness, or refusal. Three notices had been served at present and further action would be taken where necessary.

It was confirmed that the legionella testing had seen an increase of 8 properties and where water supply was shared, which would trigger the Council’s landlord responsibility. The legionella test had now been completed and the Council was awaiting confirmation paperwork.

The Committee was reassured that all contractors and the Council’s colleagues were completing inspections and assessments where a high risk action is identified and notify the team immediately.

The Director for Housing and Property highlighted some figures set out in the report:

·       That gas figures had moved on significantly since the previous month, 23 non-compliant properties were down to 3.

·       Asbestos reinspection’s baseline figure changing with a completion date of 10 June 2022. New asbestos surveys had been ordered.

·       Fire risk assessments were all complete, so would change from amber to green.

·       Lift inspections were back to 100% compliance.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Property highlighted that tenant’s engagement was going well. The Council were currently in communication with Manor Court in Bourne to address their concerns and discuss ownership of gardens at a public meeting for the tenants. 

It was noted that the other sheltered housing schemes were due to receive tenant engagement.

One Member raised a query in relation to the Council’s position with homelessness.

The Director for Housing and Property confirmed that the Council have a working partnership with Change4lincs, which has had success in regard to rough sleepers. The Allocation Policy would be coming to the Committee for review in due course.

The Committee were informed of the future funding of the government’s initiative on homelessness. The Council had submitted a bid for the funding, which was being considered. Informal feedback stated that the Council had provided a strong application for the bid.

It was confirmed that following a rough sleeper count, only 1 rough sleeper had been identified. The rough sleeper count is based on a physical count and information provided from other agencies.

A query was raised on where the rough sleeper would be housed.

The Director for Housing and Property confirmed that it would depend on the individuals’ circumstances. The Council aim to find accommodation that would be sustainable and meets the needs of the individual.

AGREED:

1. That the Committee notes the latest compliance position following the ongoing meetings with the Regulator of Social Housing.

2. That the Committee receives a further update report at its next scheduled meeting.