Issue - meetings

That the Committee notes the update in relation to voids managed by the Housing and Assets Service.

The Service Manager (Housing Assets) presented the update report in relation to void properties managed by the Housing and Assets Service.

In detailing the key areas of the report, he provided background on the various reasons for properties becoming vacant, the impact from the pandemic and the importance of effectively managing voids.  Information was also shared on changes introduced within the Housing service and voids performance over the past five years.

The Benefits Manager provided information on the reasons for tenancy terminations and the work undertaken on this.  She also explained the approach to managing properties that were difficult to let and the benefits of the team restructuring in managing all aspects of neighbourhood issues.

In response to a query on anti-social behaviour from Councillor Brian Lloyd, officers said that the enforcement team continued to work with the Police to tackle such issues and that residents were encouraged to report incidents at an early stage to support evidence gathering.

In raising concerns about rent loss associated with void properties, Councillor Kevin Rush suggested an additional category between ‘routine’ and ‘major’ voids to improve turnaround of properties.

The Service Manager (Housing Assets) said that 20 days was the target for routine void works to be completed and that all voids were inspected and works ordered; if only minor works were required then the void may only take 5 days or less to hand over to housing management.  This target mainly applied to the in?house voids team and as could be seen from the report, this target was being met.  He assured Members of the commitment to bring properties up to the required standard whilst prioritising safety and compliance with regulations.  He also explained that use of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) would provide clear information to identify any performance issues.

As requested by Councillor Adele Davies-Cooke, information was shared on the assistance and guidance given to new tenants to help them to manage their properties.

The recommendations were moved and seconded by Councillors Kevin Rush and Geoff Collett.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee notes the update in relation to voids managed by the Housing and Assets Service.