Issue - meetings

(a)       That the comments made by the Committee on the decision matrix be noted;

(b)       That the comments made by the Committee on the schedule of work, its completeness and appropriateness be noted; and

(c)       That a copy of the updated Schedule of Works be circulated to all Members.

The Chief Officer (Housing & Assets) introduced the report which focussed on the development of the Environmental Programme as part of the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS).

            The Council has, in developing its programme of work for the whole of the WHQS, split the County into six geographical areas of broadly the same size, with each receiving a programme of work in each financial year, as shown in Appendix A.  Programmes were developed using information flowing from stock condition surveys, but also by using feedback from tenants, Members and officers on the ground.  Condition survey data was regularly reviewed and adjusted to reflect the revised, improved condition of properties following refurbishment.

            The Chief Officer (Housing & Assets) drew the Committees attention to Appendix B of the report which provided details of the matrix used by officers when assessing schemes for environmental works.  Based upon this criteria, the proposed Environmental Programme was shown at Appendix C.

            The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing asked the Committee to review the schedule and advice if they felt it adequately considered the requirements in their respective areas.  Following the meeting, a copy of the proposed programme would be sent to all Members so that could be consulted on the proposals.

            Councillor Paul Shotton commented on the amount of garage sites across the County which were in need of refurbishment and the difficulties with parking within his own ward.  He commended the work being done as part of the WHQS and asked whether the Council had liability cover if damage was done to neighbouring properties during the renovation works.  The Chief Officer (Housing & Assets) explained that if any damage was done to neighbouring properties the liability would be covered as this would be included within the tender process.

            Councillor Dennis Hutchinson raised concerns on behalf of a tenant who was being charged for the use of a garage whilst it was being renovated.  The Chief Officer (Housing & Assets) agreed to speak to Councillor Hutchinson following the meeting in order to provide him with an appropriate response.   

            Councillor Rosetta Dolphin commented that most garages across the County were no longer fit for purpose, given the size of modern vehicles and asked if an updated timetable outlining when works would be completed in which wards could be provided to Members.  The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing explained that as part of the garage review consideration had been given to the best use of all garage sites if it was not possible to renovate the current structures in place.

            Councillor Ray Hughes asked if consideration could be given to improving the parking area in Leeswood which would assist in removing vehicles from the road and improve the bus service.  The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing asked Councillor Hughes to provide officers with the details following the meeting. 

            Councillor Ted Palmer sought clarification on the terms phase 2 and phase 3 as shown in Appendix C of the report.  The Chief Officer (Housing & Assets) said that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5