Issue - meetings

That the report be noted.

The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment & Economy) introduced the Year-end Council Plan Monitoring Report 2017/18.  He explained that the report presented the monitoring of progress for the Council Plan priorities ‘Supportive Council’ and ‘Ambitious Council’ which were relevant to the Committee.

The Chief Officer provided background information and advised that the monitoring report for the 2017/18 Council Plan was a positive report, with 81% of activities being assessed as making good progress, and 69% likely to achieve the desired outcome.  Performance Indicators showed good progress with 84% meeting or near to period target.  Risks were also being successfully managed with the majority being assessed as moderate (67%) or minor (10%). 

Councillor Paul Shotton asked if the impact of Universal Credit and the delayed payments to tenants was having a negative impact on rent arrears.  He also asked if an increase in demand for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) was the cause for the missed performance indicator.  The Benefits Manager said that it was too early at this stage to confirm if the delayed payments would have a negative impact on rent arrears.  Officers continued to be pro-active in contacting tenants at an early stage to provide the necessary support.  The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment & Economy) advised that a report on DFG’s would be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee. 

Councillor George Hardcastle asked if an update report on rent arrears and the use of bed and breakfast accommodation could be provided to the Committee at a future meeting.  The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Members for Housing advised that a report on rent arrears was due to be submitted to the Audit Committee and would also be submitted to a future meeting of this Committee.  The Customer Support Manager advised that a report on Homelessness, which would include details of the use of bed and breakfast accommodation, would be provided to a future meeting of the Committee.

Following comments made around current rent arrears, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing said that current levels were excessive and that a zero tolerance approach was required for those tenants who were able to, but refused to pay their rent.  The Chief Officer (Housing & Assets) commented on tenants who required assistance and support and said that this would continue to be provided but that the Council would be more proactive over the next 12 months in tackling tenants who were able to put refused to pay their rent.

Members thanked the Chief Officer (Housing & Assets) and Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing for the approach outlined in dealing with rent arrears.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.