Issue - meetings

To receive and note a report from the Director of Operations providing Members with an update on performance against the Corporate Plan and local service targets for 2017/18 as well as providing an update on the key business risks.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Director of Operations providing it with an update on performance against the Corporate Plan and local service targets for 2017/18 as well as providing an update on the key business risks.

The report highlighted those housing areas with targets that were most closely linked to the aims of the Corporate Plan. It was noted that 23 empty homes had been brought back into use against an annual target of 25 which was excellent. A further update was provided informing the Group that the target of 25 had already been exceeded since the report had been written which was further good news. The number of ‘Affordable Homes Delivered’ was 26 for the first quarter of 2017/18, the first time that target had been exceeded for over 2 years. However ‘Rent Arrears as a Proportion of Annual Rent Debit’ was 1.30%, against a target of 1%. The impact of welfare reform was likely to make this situation worse.

Discussion took place regarding the risk associated with evictions and the possibility of those tenants being evicted becoming violent towards officers. It was explained that the Housing Department was doing all it could to ensure the well-being and safety of its officers. There was a framework of supervision in place. Officers were able to meet with their managers on a regular basis, there was also peer support and counselling was available if needed. As a department they were experiencing more challenging behaviour but the Housing Services Manager stated that she was satisfied that there were sufficient mitigating actions in place.

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