To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 20 June 2023.

The minutes of the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on the 20 June 2023 were approved as a correct record.

To receive additional items that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972. To agree any relevant briefing notes submitted to the Committee.

There were no urgent items of business.

There were no declarations of interest.

The report presented updated Members on how the council was addressing the management of damp and mould within its housing stock, and in the context of the Housing Ombudsman’s Spotlight on Damp & Mould Report published in October 2021.

Points Raised:

The committee discussed how different approaches were taken with residents, namely alternative treatments, revisits, educational tools.

Officers had approached the issue of damp and mould via proactive engagement, resulting in a higher number of repairs this year, but the feedback is good.

Discussions were had regarding Blackshots, namely the vacating of flats and the checks and maintenance needed on the empty properties to ensure safety of active tenants.

Questions asked regarding whether we have any responsibility for privately let properties. Ewelina Sorbjan said we have a responsibility to refer to enforcement teams and can issue fines via Court.

Actions:

Chris Seman to provide breakdown of damp and mould reports by ward/property type/town to individual Councillors. This action was ompleted after the meeting.

RESOLVED

1.       The Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the Council’s progress on the management of damp and mould within the housing portfolio in relation to the Ombudsman’s Spotlight report on Damp and Mould.

2.       The Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the Council’s measures that are still in development on the management of damp and mould.

The report presented updated Members on progress on various sites considered for housing development. The report set out a reduction in the overall programme of new homes for rent within the housing development pipeline since last reported to this committee. This number now stood at 338. The reduction was a consequence of scheme amendments and a number of projects no longer progressing.

Actions:

Chair raised concerns regarding seeking disposals rather than continuing/halting projects due to temporary external circumstances. Agreed this was a question of strategy, Ewelina Sorbjan to discuss with Finance colleagues and report back.

Chair will write to Chief Executive urgently to discuss legal advice regarding site disposals.

Councillor Pearce asked for updates on Teviot Flats, Keith Andrews to provide the consultation report.

RESOLVED

The Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee

1.        Noted the updates on sites being considered for housing development.

2.        Noted that the sites at Aveley Library, Darnley Road, Corve Lane and the CO1 building as part of the civic estate were no longer being considered for Housing Revenue Account housing development.

Members noted the recommendation log.

Members noted the work programme and made the following comments:

Councillor Redsell asked for an update on the painting of the garages. Ewelina Sorbjan commits to providing a briefing note for the ward.

Discussed upcoming meetings. An additional meeting should be scheduled in February.

Action:

Ewelina Sorbjan to meet with Jenny Shade and rework the workplan. 

The recording of the meeting can be found from the following link:

Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 28 September 2023, 7:00pm - Thurrock Council committee meeting webcasts (public-i.tv)