Agenda item

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (at pages 13 - 28) as delivered and summarised by Interim Community Services Manager which should be read together with these minutes as a composite document.

The Interim Community Services Manager added that the Council was exploring the development of a triangular parcel of Council-owned land at Bennett Way, Wigston. Its potential was said to be constrained by welfare reforms affecting the under 35’s which rendered the building of flats on the site unviable and that two, alternative options were available, namely: the building of 2-3 bedrooms terrace houses; or to invite Waterloo Housing to incorporate the site into their scheme at Kirkdale Road.

Councillor J W Boyce commended the report. He noted the aforementioned constraints in respect of development Bennett Way yet emphasised that the Scheme ought to remain in the Council’s control and for implementation as soon as possible. With reference to ‘Disabled Facility Grants’ (DFG’s) at paragraph 11 (at page 17), the Member advised that no advantage was to be unduly credited to the Lightbulb Project in terms of performance assessment given its pilot status. With reference to void performance at paragraph 5.2.(at page16), he noted that a more careful, long-term marketing strategy concerning studio/bedsit flats was needed to boost their appeal. With reference to ‘Chartwell House Concrete Repairs’ at Appendix 3 (at page 27), he warned that if the extent of the repairs were extensive, a wider survey was required by engineers to assess the need for more underlying, structural works.

The Chair stated that the survey undertaken by engineers had confirmed that there were no underlying structural defects at Chartwell House and its external redecoration was scheduled to take place in due course. He further stated that a concern had been raised at a District and Borough with Leicestershire County Council regarding the top-slicing of DFG funding. Members were advised that a review of the matter would be reported back to the Committee.

Councillor Mrs L M Broadley enquired as to whether the Choice-Based Lettings Scheme (CBL) was used by disabled resident to obtain a suitably adapted property and if they was an unreasonable delay in doing so.

The Interim Community Services Manager advised that although all housing allocations were managed via the CBL Scheme, with the degree of disability reflected in the banding and points awarded, applications could be considered on an ad-hoc basis.

Councillor L A Bentley enquired as to whether any financial penalties were to be paid by the Council in respect of the delayed capital works at Boulter Crescent, Wigston.

The Interim Community Services Manager advised that no penalties or associated costs were to be borne by this Council and that provision as to liquidated damages were built into the works contract and absorbed by the contractor.

Councillor Ms A R Bond requested an update in respect of access to advisory services to Oadby residents.

The Interim Community Services Manager advised that a joint-initiative was being delivered by Helping Hands Advice Centre and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau which extended to the Oadby area.

Councillor J W Boyce reiterated the significance of an independent advice service. 

Councillor Mrs S Z Haq enquired as to the priority that was to be given to addressing private-sector empty homes.

The Interim Community Services Manager advised that priority was to be given to the 32 residential dwellings that had been empty for two years or more and those that had received the most complaints (i.e. anti-social behaviour and vandalism).

With reference to Arrears Cases in the appendix (at page 23), Councillor D M Carter enquired as to the sharp increase at week commencing Monday, 22 February 2016.

The Interim Community Services Manager cited a delayed receipt of housing benefit which was shortly received thereafter and corrected in the following week.

Councillor K J Loydall asked whether DFG applications where means-tested, questioning the in/out of work eligibility criteria and the associated incentive scheme.

The Chair answered confirmed that DFG applications were means-tested.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The contents contained within the report be noted by Members.