Issue - meetings

An opportunity for the Committee to question the Cabinet Member, Councillor John Bevan, on the Housing Services portfolio.

The Committee received a brief update of the Cabinet Member Portfolio for Housing.

NOTED the following in response to questions and discussion:

·        The database for social housing stock was being updated.

·        Homes4Haringey were working with other Housing Associations to carry out benchmarking exercises.

·        The number of people in Temporary Accommodation was 2943.  The waiting list was 10,392, which had decreased from over 21,000 in 2011.

·        There were only 11 unoccupied properties for sheltered housing.

·        It was hoped that some new builds would be started in the next 1-2 years, but this depended on the amount of funding available.

·        In response to how the benefit / welfare reforms would impact, it was expected that single people under 35 would be most impacted – 800 in LB Haringey.  No decision had yet been made about placing tenants in properties outside the Borough, but a range of options would be required to mitigate the impact.  Landlords were not obligated to reduce their rent in order to allow tenants to afford their properties.

·        HMO licensing pilot – a bid was being prepared under the 1 Borough fund.  The pilot was working well in Haringey ward.  There were plans to extend into the Tottenham ward, but this would be resource intensive. 

·        Information was requested on comparison of voids turnovers by LB Haringey compared to other boroughs / nationally.  (Action 119.1) Cllr Diakides

·        The Chair asked for an update on Protheroe House.  (Action 119.2) Cllr Bull

·        Councillor Engert asked for details of properties under the sheltered housing/good neighbourhood scheme, particularly in Clissold Close.  Councillor Bevan informed the Committee that all properties under the sheltered housing scheme had been repaired to Decent Home standard (apart from 5 or 6, due to access issues).  It was agreed that a detailed briefing would be provided.  (Action 119.3) Cllr Engert

·        Decent Homes funding was an indicative £35million over the next 2 years.  The Chair informed Councillor Bevan that some of the works carried out were not up to Decent Homes standard and that care needed to be taken when signing off works to ensure that they were up to the required standard.

·        The Chair asked about properties outside of the borough and whether they had been repaired to Decent Homes standard.  Councillor Bevan confirmed that all properties outside of the borough had been repaired to Decent Homes standard.

The Committee thanked Councillor Bevan and Phil Harris - Deputy Director, Community Housing Services.