Issue - meetings

To receive 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 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.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         43 empty homes had now been brought back into use against a target of 25 for 2017/18 which was excellent.

·         Two properties were subject to possession proceedings by the tenancy service as it had not been possible to acquire a valid gas safety certificate.

·         Rent collection rates were very good.

·         There had been some staffing issues within the housing department with officers having to cover a number of vacant posts.

·         The effects of welfare reform were beginning to show. The numbers of people claiming housing benefit had not really changed but people were receiving less.

·         The average number of days to re-let a property was currently below target.

·         The Group Manager for Housing was satisfied that there were sufficient measures in place to tackle any staff health and wellbeing issues resulting from often challenging situations with clients.

·         When Universal Credit was fully introduced in Mid Devon there would be a need for early intervention work with some tenants to address any issues caused by the delay in receiving their payment.

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