Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Head of Housing and Health presenting a quarterly update to Members of the Policy Development Group on activity undertaken by Mid Devon Housing (MDH), including some relating to tenancy enforcement.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Head of Housing & Health providing a quarterly update to Members of the Policy Development Group on activity undertaken by Mid Devon Housing (MDH) including some relating to enforcement.

The following was highlighted within the report and discussion took place regarding:

·       The report covered a multitude of areas across Mid Devon Housing, ranging from Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM’s), enforcement, building repairs and maintenance to rent recovery.

·       Timing wise, the report was slightly behind with the data. Performance was holding up well, however, there continued to be recruitment challenges and long term sickness was putting pressure on the service.

·       It was confirmed that safety works would always take priority.

·       Rental income collection figures continued to improve on what was already a positive position.

·       Tenants who presented as being repeatedly or longstanding in arrears were dealt with on a case by case basis. Officers worked hard to support tenants falling into this category by offering early advice and support where they could, for example, were tenants claiming all the benefits they were entitled to? Officers also signposted tenants to other support agencies such as food bank providers. It was accepted however that some tenants would never engage with the Council as their landlord. Sometimes properties were left unoccupied with the Council not knowing where the tenant had gone.

·       It was confirmed that all the houses at St George’s Court in Tiverton were now let. The 29 flats had needed adapting, for example, installing level flooring in the bathrooms. All but one of these adaptions had now taken place. The flats were therefore very nearly ready to be let. There was an ongoing issue with the lifts but the Council was trying to resolve this with the manufacturer.

·       The Council could not legally rent the flats until they had been valued by a Government appointed District Valuer for the purposes of setting the correct formula rent and arranging for them to do this was proving to be a lengthy process.

Note: * Report previously circulated.