Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation & Housing, Public Health

The Cabinet received a report* which provided an updated, draft policy on the management of void properties within the Council’s housing stock. This had been developed following an in-depth review of voids management and with an aim that ensured properties which become void continued to be re-let as quickly and efficiently as possible. The policy also sought to balance this approach with the needs of tenants and the requirement to maintain properties to an appropriate, safe lettings standard, whilst retaining a sustainable stock and Housing Revenue Account.

The following was discussed:

·       Regarding the use of working days as a measurement for void performance and whether time taken for allocations to tenants made would look to be reduced. The Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation & Housing and Public Health explained that working days needed to be used as a measurement as it was accurate, but could report in different measurements. In addition, it was aimed for these targets to be reduced.

·       Whether officers could cope with this extra work. The Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation & Housing and Public Health explained that the team was fully staffed and that the team had been fully staffed since the second quarter of 2023.

·       Long-term voids were sometimes intentional, for example, when developments were needed.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet adopt the updated Voids Management Policy contained in Annex B. With a review after one year.

(Proposed by Cllr A Wilce and seconded by Cllr D J Knowles)

Reason for Decision: As stated in the report

Note: *report previously circulated and attached to the minutes

To receive a report from the Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing. An updated, draft policy on the management of void properties within the Council’s housing stock is presented to Members. This has been developed following an in-depth review of voids management and with an aim to ensure that properties which become void continue to be re-let as quickly and efficiently as possible. The policy also seeks to balance this approach with the needs of tenants and the requirement to maintain our properties to an appropriate, safe lettings standard whilst retaining a sustainable stock and Housing Revenue Account.

The Group had before it a report * from the Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing. An updated, draft policy on the management of void properties within the Council’s housing stock is presented to Members. This has been developed following an in-depth review of voids management and with an aim to ensure that properties which become void continue to be re-let as quickly and efficiently as possible. The policy also seeks to balance this approach with the needs of tenants and the requirement to maintain our properties to an appropriate, safe lettings standard whilst retaining a sustainable stock and Housing Revenue Account.

The contents of the report were outlined with the following being highlighted:

·         The management of void was undertaken as quickly and as efficiently as possible, carefully balanced with the requirement for effective stock management in order to provide a decent, sustainment estate for the future

·         Housing stock had to be ‘fit for purpose’  when re-let and going forwards.

·         The Cabinet Member for Housing and officers had overseen a thorough review of this area, listening to views of all member and taking into account the findings of Devon Audit Partnership audit commissioned by the Mid Devon Housing.

·         The updated policy sought to provide clarity on all aspects of voids management

·         Previous re-letting targets had been unrealistic and unachievable.

·         Recent constraints had included the ability to get materials quickly as well of regulatory pressures alongside new pressures from increasing levels of tenant damage, decarbonisation of our properties and meeting Decent Homes Standards.

·         New targets were more measureable and achievable and there were 4 new categories of Voids.

·         The proposed overatching occupancy rate target of 97%.

·         The views of tenants had been listened to.

·         There would be more financial monitoring going forwards.

·         It was proposed that the revised policy be reviewed in 12 months time allowing for additional engagement with tenants who had experienced the updated voids approach.

RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that it approves the updated Voids Management Policy contained in Annex B.

(Proposed by Cllr P Heal and seconded by Cllr L Cruwys)

Reason for decision

As set out in the report.

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.