The Officer presented the report to Members that provided an overview of the key achievements in the first three quarter of 2015/16 relating to the management of Council Housing Assets through the Housing Investment and Development Programme.

The Officer provided a detailed briefing on the continued progress made in the delivery of the various components of the housing repairs, maintenance and capital works programme. Members were referred to figures in the report that detailed the progress made and that figures were being monitored monthly.

The Officer produced a leaflet on “Damp Condensation and Mould” that Thurrock Council was being used to educate residents on these issues. Copies of the leaflet were handed out to all committee members.

The Officer briefed Members on the development of the Housing Asset Management Strategy and the delivery of housing repairs, investment and regeneration programmes. Work is underway to draw the agreed principles together into the new Strategy which will set in place the approach, principles and objectives for the housing asset management to go forward. The three proposed objectives for a new Housing Asset Management Strategy were:

Objective 1 – Maintaining and Improving Housing Standards in Existing Stock

Objective 2 – Understanding and Optimising Performance

Objective 3 – Informing the standards and performance in new build council owned properties

Councillor Redsell noted the introduction of the mobile phone “App” and asked that consideration be given to those residents who do not the facility of an IOS or Android smart phone and that some residents like to talk to someone to register an issue. The Officer confirmed that the call centre will continue to be available for those residents.

Councillor Redsell asked the Officer the names of the 3 high rise blocks currently undergoing lift refurbishment in Grays. The Officer stated that the information was not to hand but this would be forward to Members.

Councillor Hamilton stated that all contractors should display an identity badge with their full name, contractor name and if possible their qualification/trade.

All Members and Co-Optee Member stated that they had experienced complaints from residents in their wards that contractors were not displaying these, that contractors arrived late or arrived at very inconvenient times with no warning and some contractors did not even speak English.

The Officer confirmed that all contractors were required to carry identity badges and only attend by appointment. The Officer suggested that for any further specific cases received these could be forwarded to the team for investigation.

The Chair asked Officers if a reminder could be sent to residents, especially the elderly residents, to ask and check for identity of contractors before letting them into their premises.

The Officer stated that this is already being done with posters advertising this on premises, in hubs and that letters sent out remind residents to check identity badges.

Lynn Mansfield stated that it was unfair to ask elderly residents to check identity when they were already feeling valuable.

A discussion between Members and Officers took place on voids and how important it was to reduce the turnaround time. Officers confirmed that this was being achieved by identifying as soon as possible when a property will be available but a process still needs to be followed.

The Officer advised that up to six potential residents may be considered for shortlisting after the bidding cycle closes so that documentation can be checked beforehand to confirm eligibility. In this way void times are minimised.

Councillor Hamilton asked Officers if Housing had to pay council tax on void properties. The Officer confirmed that the information was not to hand but this would be forward to Members.

Councillor Ojetola stated that it would have been useful for Officers to have presented the Annual Report with an update from 2014/2015. Members agreed that the item be added to the work programme for the next municipal year.

Councillor Ojetola asked Officers what the void period for standard properties  in number of days now stood at. The Officer confirmed that this was currently 32 days year to date.

Councillor Ojetola asked Officers how many people were involved in the Resident Satisfaction Surveys reported. The Officer confirmed that the information was not to hand but this would be forward to Members.

Councillor Liddiard asked Officers for progress on the new build plans for Calcutta Road in Tilbury. The Officer confirmed that activity continues on this site with the plans being refreshed and re-designed.

The Chair asked Officers that were all new builds built under the required standards, with particular attention to the specification around safety.

The Officer confirmed that yes safety is the highest priority and that each new development is designed to meet stringent safety standards.

Councillor Hamilton asked if Carbon Monoxide detectors were installed in new builds. The Officer confirmed that the information was not to hand but this would be forwarded to Members.

Lyn Mansfield asked Officers why new buildings with 2 bedrooms were still being built when the most needed were 1 bedroom properties. The Officer confirmed that this was a learning outcome from developments that had already been built and that greater consideration would be given on future new builds. Assessment of the housing needs of residents can be obtained from the housing register, the detailed housing needs survey undertaken last year in Thurrock and the strategic housing needs analysis.

Councillor Redsell asked Officers if they were aware that National Grid were currently working on the high blocks in Grays.

The Officer thanked Councillor Redsell for drawing this to their attention and stated that they were unaware and would check if the council had been advised in advance.

Lyn Mansfield asked Officers why people who had received allocation letters have not yet moved into Derry Avenue. The Officer confirmed that lettings were at an advanced stage and that residents will be moving in imminently.

The Chair thanked Members for all their comments and asked Officers to consider the recommendations.

RESOLVED

1.         It was noted that the continued progress made in the delivery of various components of housing repairs, maintenance and capital works programmes which have a positive impact on the living conditions and quality of life for council tenants.

2.         It was noted that progress made with the delivery of new homes within the borough.

3.         It was noted and agreed the proposed outline objectives for a new Housing Asset Management Strategy.