Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Health, Housing and Community Support submitted a report on the progress made on the two large scale voluntary transfer housing associations and the three undertakings which remained following the end of the Delivery of Promises Programme in 2007.

The Housing Services Manager expressed concern that there had been a lot of enquiries in relation to Right to Buy but virtually no sales, which was considered to be attributable to the cost of properties in the East Hertfordshire District.  The Housing Services Manager also expressed concern at the slow down by the County Council, in processing requests for adaptations.  She referred to recent re-structure at the County Council which had had a knock on effect.

Councillor C Woodward commented on the number of complaints he and other Councillors had received in relation to garages, their condition and lack of maintenance.  He stated that Housing Associations should be requested to maintain them.

Councillor N Symonds referred to the slow down in processing requests for adaptations suggesting that this was possibly attributable to the shortage of Occupational Therapists available to carry out the formal assessment of need.

Councillor P Ruffles commented on the improvements over the last 10 years in terms of engagement with Housing Associations.  He stated that the west of the District did not suffer to the same level in terms of garage issues.  Members commented generally on the good rapport that existed with Housing Associations.

In response to a query from Councillor G McAndrew regarding under and over occupancy, the Housing Services Manager explained the “swap” procedure and the incentives on offer.  She also referred to “Bedroom Tax” which would be introduced from October 2012.

Councillor M Wood suggested that in considering the issue of garages, there was a need to balance matters, adding that garages were an issue when the Council had responsibility for them.

The Committee noted the performance of Riversmead and South Anglia Housing Associations on the three remaining stock transfer undertakings for the year 2011/12 and asked Officers to pass on Members’ concerns regarding the general maintenance of garages.

RESOLVED – that (A) the performance of Riversmead and Sough Anglia Housing Associations on the three remaining stock transfer undertakings for the year 2011/12 be noted; and

(B) Officers be requested to pass on Members’ concerns regarding the general maintenance of garages.