Issue - meetings

Joint Report of the Housing Services Manager and Community Property Manager

The Committee received the report (as set out on pages 34 – 40) which asked it to note the progress made in delivering community services during the third quarter of 2018/19.

Members were provided with updates regarding the procurement of new contracts for both central heating and boiler replacements. The Committee were advised that the contracts would commence on 1 April 2019.

It was reported to Members that after successfully procuring a new contract for the kitchen and bathroom replacement programme, a stock condition survey would be carried out to determine any required works. Once identified, new installations were expected to be completed by 30 June 2019.

With regards to the Lightbulb Project (LbP), it was suggested by the Committee that a direct communication channel be made available for Members so they can raise any queries or concerns with the organisation. Officers confirmed that LbP’s contact details would be provided. Members were advised to include an Officer in any correspondence sent to allow all queries and comments to be centrally collated.

A Member spoke about an ongoing case regarding a dissatisfied resident who had felt disappointed by the LbP. Although the Member did not want to unduly influence the opinion of the Committee, it was stated that they disagreed with the insinuation of the LbP’s ability to deliver improved start-to end processing times. It was requested that details of case raised be submitted to the Director of Finance and Transformation to allow further investigations to be made.

The Committee was advised that although the LbP was now controlled under a single-tier assessment, and therefore direct comparisons to previous performance figures would be difficult to draw, it was reiterated that the LbP did allow more concentrated focus on dealing with Disability Funding Grant’s across Leicestershire Borough and Districts and that overall, performance had improved.

Members were advised that Central Government had provided the LbP with additional funding, to allow identified works to be completed.

It was confirmed that the Council’s ‘Empty Home Strategy’ was set to be reviewed. The Strategy would allow Officers to monitor and address issues regarding the number of empty homes within the Borough. The Committee was advised that the Council Tax premium set for empty homes was set to increase from 150% to 200%, as opposed to the standard 100% Council Tax set for single property homeowners. Officers advised that the collection rate within the Council Tax band would be calculated and reported to Members following the Committee.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

That the contents of the report and appendix be noted.