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.

The officer outlined the contents of the report and discussion took place regarding the following:

·         The building of council houses in Birchen Lane and Palmerston Park – the report stated that the date for completion would be 2018/19 and the comment was made that this seemed to be very vague and clarification was sought as to the need for more accurate timescales. The Cabinet Member for Housing explained that it was hoped that the properties in Birchen Lane would be completed by November 2018. Initial building works had had to be demolished due to a number of faults. It was hoped that the Palmerston Park development would also be completed by October / November 2018. There had been a problem of safety on the site and difficult access issues due to there only being one road in.

·         The question was asked as to whether there was enough social housing within Mid Devon and how did this Council compare with others? The Cabinet Member for Housing stated that it was hoped a development at Post Hill with affordable housing would be underway soon, however, issues relating to proportion and viability still had to be resolved. In terms of how Mid Devon compared it was explained that some local authorities were not building any social housing but Mid Devon was proactively looking for new sites including redeveloping a number of garage sites.

·         Building services were assessing housing need across the district.

·         The target in relation to bringing empty homes back into use was doing very well.

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