Community & Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee

The Committee supported changes to the private disabled adaptations policy, which lower some grant limits and add a land charge for larger extensions. It noted the annual homelessness report and agreed to keep supporting the Housing and Prevention Service. It also noted the Forward Work Programme; the minute records no decision on the Corporate Risk Register.

1. Forward Work Programme and action tracking

   Decided

   The Committee noted the Forward Work Programme and authorised the Facilitator, with the Chair, to change it between meetings. It also noted progress on outstanding actions. The Committee supported a letter of thanks to Sean O’Donnell and Ian Peters for their help during the Void Site Visit on 21 February.

   Why

   The Forward Work Programme lists the Committee’s future items. Items are chosen by a ‘test of significance’, which asks whether a topic affects the Council’s priorities, carries major risk, or is of public concern. A Member suggested renaming the ‘Bolt on Modular Buildings’ report ‘Modular Buildings’. The minute does not record that this was agreed.

   Based on the minutes, Forward Work Programme and Action Tracking (C&H), Enc. 1, Enc. 2

2. Changes to the private disabled adaptations policy

   Decided

   The Committee supported the amendments to the private disabled adaptations policy.

   Why

   The Council must offer Disabled Facilities Grants by law to help disabled people adapt their homes. The report says the changes aim to achieve a fairer policy, as applications and costs have risen and the Council faces financial pressure on its DFG budget. The land charge was a long-standing decision that had not been reviewed, and the report says other councils use similar charges. The report says the old relocation grant could cause hardship, so the Council will no longer help with the difference in property values.

   Based on the minutes, Disabled Adaptations Policy, Enc. 1

3. Homelessness and rough sleeper annual report

   Decided

   The Committee noted the report. It also agreed to continue supporting the work of the Housing and Prevention Service.

   Why

   The report says homelessness is a statutory service under strong pressure, driven by the cost-of-living crisis and fewer private rented homes. Homeless presentations (people who tell the Council they have nowhere to live) made up about 59% of housing enquiries in 2024, and the number of people in homeless accommodation rose by 19% during the year. Prevention (stopping homelessness) reached 67% against a target of 60%, and relief (helping people out of homelessness) reached 39% against a target of 40%, while rough sleeping stayed low, peaking at four people.

   Based on the minutes, Homelessness, Enc. 1, Enc. 3

4. Corporate Risk Register

   Decided

   The minutes record no decision on this item.

   Why

   The report explains that a corporate risk register records the major risks that could stop the Council meeting its priorities or statutory duties. The register lists 12 risks, and 11 of them are above their target score. The minute records that the Chief Officer (Housing and Communities) presented the report, but it gives no resolution.

   Based on the minutes, Corporate Risk Register (C&H OSC), Enc. 1

Written by AI from the council's minutes and reports. Sentences with a number or name that can't be found in those papers are removed automatically, but mistakes are still possible. Councils publish no word-for-word record of meetings, so this says what was decided and why. Read the official papers to be sure.

1. 2

   Declarations of Interest (including Whipping Declarations)

   Minute

   Councillor Ted Palmer declared a personal interest as a Council Tenant.

2. 3

   Minutes

   Decision as recorded

   RESOLVED: That subject to the amendment listed above, the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

   Minute

   It was agreed that Councillor Geoff Collett’s name be amended in the minutes. RESOLVED: That subject to the amendment listed above, the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

   Papers: Minutes - 12 March 2025
3. 4

   Forward Work Programme and Action Tracking

   Decision as recorded

   RESOLVED: (a) That the Forward Work Programme be noted; (b) That the Facilitator, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, as the need arises; and (c) That the Committee notes the progress made in completing the outstanding actions.

   Minute

   The Overview & Scrutiny Facilitator presented a report (agenda item 4) to consider the current Forward Work Programme (FWP) and Action Tracking progress. It was suggested that the title of the ‘Bolt on Modular Buildings’ report be amended to be renamed ‘Modular Buildings’. It was suggested that a letter of thanks be sent to Sean O’Donnell and Ian Peters to thanks them for their attendance and for assisting Members during the Void Site Visit held on 21st February. The Committee supported this suggestion. RESOLVED: (a) That the Forward Work Programme be noted; (b) That the Facilitator, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, as the need arises; and (c) That the Committee notes the progress made in completing the outstanding actions.

Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.

• Ted Palmer: Personal interest

  A personal interest as a Council tenant.

The council hasn't recorded attendance for this meeting.

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