Issue - meetings

That having reviewed the report, the Committee is reassured that all high risk actions have been fully implemented and that all remaining actions are either also complete or currently in progress.

The Service Manager, Customer Support introduced a report on the outcome of an audit report on the management of the housing register and allocation of council property arising from the introduction of the Single Access Route to Housing (SARTH).

Internal Audit had identified 13 actions of which nine had been fully implemented and two were linked to regional policy - due to be implemented by June 2018.  The report gave detailed explanations on progress with the two actions currently being progressed in respect of the completion of periodic reviews within timescales and cancellation of appointments due to non-receipt of evidence.  It was hoped that the actions would provide reassurance to Members on improved ways of working to make better use of limited resources and comply with the recommendations.

Following a question from the Chairman, it was explained that properties were generally allocated in date order according to bandings.  There were a small number of reasons why applicants could be bypassed such as property type, accessibility issues or where a sensitive letting was required.  The Chief Officer explained that a range of ICT developments were highlighted in the report to support automated working.

Councillor Dolphin referred to the action on timescales for cancelling applications and was told that the green (low) level of risk had been determined by Internal Audit as it was not possible to allocate a property without the necessary evidence.

The Chairman proposed a slight amendment to the resolution which was accepted.

RESOLVED:

That having reviewed the report, the Committee is reassured that all high risk actions have been fully implemented and that all remaining actions are either also complete or currently in progress.