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The Homes and Environment Scrutiny Committee, a group of councillors who check the council's work, changed its future work programme and heard an update on estate management and housing enforcement. It asked for further reports on evictions, enforcement by ward and garage sites, and thanked the housing team for its work.
An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor Emma Holland.
Members were reminded of their responsibility, under Paragraph 11 of the Members’ Code of Conduct, to declare any interests in relation to any of the business to be transacted at this meeting. The following declarations were made: Agenda Item 5 – Estate Management and Housing Enforcement Councillors Paul Blackwell, Steve Joe Jones, Claire Lovett, Paul Pemberton, John C Phillips and Paul Rogers – Personal and non-prejudicial – Relatives employed by Wrexham County Borough Council in the Housing Department. The Councillors remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion and voting thereon.
Decision as recorded
AGREED - i) To note the update with regards to Friday Waste Collections and the future scheduling of a report on Waste Collection/Recycling at the September meeting. ii) That the Local Housing Strategy be scheduled for the July meeting. iii) To note the response received from North Wales Police in respect of the issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices in respect of dog fouling that clarification be sought on the legality of this issue and reported in the forthcoming report on Environmental Enforcement. iv) That a future report be scheduled on performance in respect of Housing Voids. v) That a workshop be held in respect of the Accommodation Project. vi) That an update on the scheduling of the report on the Housing Call Centre be reported at the next meeting.
The Chief Officer Governance & Customer submitted a report (COGC/23/26s) for the Committee to consider a revised work programme. AGREED - i) To note the update with regards to Friday Waste Collections and the future scheduling of a report on Waste Collection/Recycling at the September meeting. ii) That the Local Housing Strategy be scheduled for the July meeting. iii) To note the response received from North Wales Police in respect of the issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices in respect of dog fouling that clarification be sought on the legality of this issue and reported in the forthcoming report on Environmental Enforcement. iv) That a future report be scheduled on performance in respect of Housing Voids. v) That a workshop be held in respect of the Accommodation Project. vi) That an update on the scheduling of the report on the Housing Call Centre be reported at the next meeting.
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.
Paul Blackwell: Personal interest on Estate Management and Housing Enforcement
Relatives employed by Wrexham County Borough Council in the Housing Department.
Steve Joe Jones: Personal interest on Estate Management and Housing Enforcement
Relatives employed by Wrexham County Borough Council in the Housing Department.
Claire Lovett: Personal interest on Estate Management and Housing Enforcement
Relatives employed by Wrexham County Borough Council in the Housing Department.
Paul Pemberton: Personal interest on Estate Management and Housing Enforcement
Relatives employed by Wrexham County Borough Council in the Housing Department.
John Phillips: Personal interest on Estate Management and Housing Enforcement
Relatives employed by Wrexham County Borough Council in the Housing Department.
Paul Rogers: Personal interest on Estate Management and Housing Enforcement
Relatives employed by Wrexham County Borough Council in the Housing Department.
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Decision as recorded
AGREED - (i) That the Lead Member, Officers and staff of the Housing Department be thanked for the report and the work outlined in the report. (ii) That further information be provided in a future report on this issue: a) The number of evictees rehoused. b) Enforcement action broken down on a ward by ward basis (iii) That a future report be considered in respect of the Garage site review.
The Lead Member introduced his report and referred to the ongoing work to improve estates management. He responded to Members questions accordingly, thereafter, with input from the Head of Service, Housing. During discussion, a number of issues were highlighted, including: · Confirmation that the Executive Board had approved an additional priority related to estate management and the recruitment of 4 new caretaking staff to enhance estate appearance. · The importance of collaborative working between Housing and Streetscene was emphasised. · Tenant surveys had been issued, and a new Tenant Co‑ordinator role introduced to strengthen engagement. It was noted that a review of garage sites was underway. · Concerns were raised regarding garage sites and lack of maintenance e.g. painting etc. · Mini Action Days took place in various wards and several members suggested that these should be promoted more widely. The additional staff would increase the capacity for Action Days. · Suggestion that Community Councils could be asked to make contributions to ward improvements and to be involved in the community Action Days. · Officers responded to questions relating to staff distribution, responsibilities for fencing, weeds, and general estate upkeep. · It was noted that larger estates received more resources. · Is discussing enforcement and evictions it was noted that there would be no coast increase for the new arrangements. · The reason for complaints varied widely and included issue such as noise and anti social behaviour. · Eviction prevention was a priority and legal warning letters were often effective with serious cases progressing more quickly. · Evictees without accommodation were supported via temporary housing and Housing Options · Property damage costs recovered through repayment agreements where possible. AGREED - (i) That the Lead Member, Officers and staff of the Housing Department be thanked for the report and the work outlined in the report. (ii) That further information be provided in a future report on this issue: a) The number of evictees rehoused. b) Enforcement action broken down on a ward by ward basis (iii) That a future report be considered in respect of the Garage site review.