Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

There were no apologies for absence.

Confirmation of the Minutes of the meeting held on 20 January 2021.

It was proposed by Councillor Pennington, seconded by Councillor Newton and –

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 20 January 2021 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

A recorded vote was taken.

Councillor Hawkins was experiencing technical difficulties and did not take part in the vote.

(Vote: For - unanimous)

Matters Arising

Minute 43 – The Chair advised the Committee that the recommendation that “Full Council write to the local MP or Central Government to encourage them to support levels of district and county funding for these voluntary charities” had not gone forward as Central Government is not involved in this funding.  The County Council was already funding and funding from the district was covered in the second motion which went to Full Council on 22 February 2021.

15 minute period for public contributions

There were no public contributions.

The action list was noted.

Members with interests should refer to the agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is considered.

Members were reminded that declarations of interest should be made as and when the specific agenda item to which they related was under discussion.

There were no Part II items.

The Chair informed the Committee that the Housing Options Team Leader would be delivering a presentation following the presentation from Westward Housing. 

To receive an update from Barbra Shaw, Chef Executive Officer, Westward Housing.

The Chair welcomed Barbara Shaw, Chief Executive of Westward Housing.

Ms Shaw informed the committee that she meets with the Chief Executive every 6 months and her colleagues work closely with a variety of TDC teams, including Planning, Enabling and the Benefits Team.

A brief overview of the organisation’s structure was given.  The Board consists of 10 Members and the Chair of the Customer Senate joins all meetings.  The Executive consists of 3 portfolio holders and there are 4 operational directors, who are members’ main contacts.  (Contact details are in the Q&A document.)  All of the company’s activity through employment, procurement, development and working with key partners creates a social value of approximately £28m each year.

Westward Housing’s Strategic Plan was reviewed in 2019 ready for 2020 and covers a 5-year period up to 2025.  In summer 2020 the Board had reviewed the Plan in light of Covid.  The main strategic objective is to provide homes and to support communities. 

Ms Shaw spoke about Westward Housing’s values and priorities.  She gave details of the current housing stock in Torridge and the collection of rental income and arrears.  Westward had given an assurance at the start of the pandemic that customers falling behind with payment due to Covid would not lose their homes.  Furthermore, Westward offered a financial inclusion service, helping customers to claim all the benefits to which they are entitled.

Members were informed about sites which were currently being developed and those in the pipeline. 

A short break was made for questions and the following issues were addressed:

·         In response to a question about play areas being developed for housing, Ms Shaw assured members that prior to any such development, residents would be consulted and assessments of usage would be carried out. 

·         Ms Shaw explained the process for allocation of housing.  However, she would be happy to provide further information on this.

·         A detailed explanation about affordable and social housing was given.

The final part of the presentation focused on Westward’s carbon agenda, covering what had been done so far, particularly in relation to the programme of environmentally friendly home improvements and technology, and what has yet to be done.  Ms Shaw told the meeting that not all of the upgrades had been successful, specifically the installation of biomass heating and some systems had been replaced at great cost.  Westward was striving to achieve EPC ratings of ‘C’ or above in all of its properties.  The cost to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 is estimated at £91m. 

A further question and answer session took place covering the following subjects:

·         Larger homes – Westward would work with TDC to assess need but often such property would actually put the tenant in the position that they might end up with an unaffordable rent.

·         Play areas – The swings at High View had not yet been replaced and this was due to have happened in February.  Also temporary fencing was also still in place. 

·         Bowden Green – There were concerns  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

The Housing Options Team Leader addressed the meeting presenting information about Devon Home Choice and the registration, assessment and prioritisation processes.  She provided statistics about the numbers on the register; the types of property in demand and the number of homes let for the period 1 October 2020 to 31 December 2020 and in total since 2018.  It was also made clear that demand outweighed property availability and the majority of applicants would not receive an offer of accommodation.

She explained how the properties are advertised and how the biding and allocation processes work.  She added that the scheme gives people choice as to the type of property they want to be considered for.  However, applicants do need to be proactive in the search, although those needing more assistance can have autobidding set up.

Ms Shaw left the meeting.  The Chair thanked Ms Shaw for attending.

The Housing Options Team Leader spoke in more detail about bedroom need, highlighting the high demand for one-bedroomed accommodation.  It was noted that a single person would not be allocated a two-bedroomed unit to accommodate children from split families.  More details were sought regarding the administering of accommodation.  The Housing Options Team Leader responded with details about the investigation and verification process and the consideration undertaken in respect of allocating an additional bedroom. The bedroom tax was discussed in relation to benefits.  The Head of Legal & Governance & Monitoring Officer told the committee of a recent case, similar to those being discussed, and this had been considered under the hardship fund.  People need to be made aware of the hardship fund and the availability of financial assistance.

Information was provided in relation to the landlord’s role.  The authority had no influence over the selection process but did discuss applications with the landlords if it was felt there may be a problem with an applicant.

The Chair thanked the Housing Options Team Leader for the presentation and for the work carried out by her team.

To review responses from the MP.

The responses from Geoffrey Cox were reviewed and discussed.

Councillor Langford shared supplementary information from the Economic Development Officer in respect of the Levelling Up Fund and broadband.

The Head of Legal & Governance & Monitoring Officer confirmed that more funds are available, similar to the Future High Streets Fund, although full details were yet be circulated. 

A short debate on food production took place.

Councillor Pennington declared an interest – he is a member of the NFU and CLOA.

The Chair proposed that in the letter of thanks to Geoffrey Cox, the need should be highlighted that we work with him in detail to secure funding from the Levelling Up Fund, especially in light of the Future High Streets award to Barnstaple.  The Head of Legal & Governance & Monitoring informed the meeting that the Leader and Chief Executive will be working with the MP on this.  Firstly, the bid will be prepared and finalised and then liaison with the MP would take place to discuss what support is needed. 

It was proposed by Councillor Leather and seconded by Councillor Pennington –

That:

A letter be written to Geoffrey Cox thanking him for the responses and making reference to our understanding that he is working with the Leader and the Chief Executive and expressing our hope that he use his best efforts to secure funding for the regeneration of Bideford from the Levelling Up Fund.

A recorded vote was taken.

(Vote: For - unanimous)

Councillor McKenzie had left the meeting and did not take part in the vote.

It was proposed by Councillor Newton and seconded by Councillor Leather –

That:

The questions and answers be circulated to all members via the Members’ Bulletin.

A recorded vote was taken.

(Vote: For 8, Abstention 1)

The Chair invited comments.

The following amendments were put forward:

Sean Mackney of Petroc College will be attending the meeting on 28 April.

The Chair offered a scoping meeting but this refused by the committee.

Questions to be forwarded to the Democratic Services Officer.

It was noted that at the end of his last presentation Mr Mackney had asked what opportunities the committee saw for Petroc and what we wanted from Petroc.

Councillor Leather would like to hear what Petroc is offering Torridge.  Mr Mackney should be asked to present with a focus on youth employment.  Any statistics should be made available ahead of the meeting.

Deadline for questions 20 March.

The Chair commented that he will not be standing for Chair of External Overview & Scrutiny. 

Looking forward to the next year:

Environment / Biosphere / Drainage and Sewage- joint meeting with North Devon Council.  There was a feeling that this will perhaps be better deferred in order to capture all parties. 

Leisure Services

Health & Wellbeing – Leesar and Together: Drug/alcohol abuse and domestic violence. 

Other social housing landlords

*May meeting - Mental health post Covid.  – Leesar and Together

*Post meeting note – there is no meeting in May.  This would be the meeting on 9 June.