Issue - meetings

That the update be noted.

The Service Manager (Housing Assets) presented the key figures and key activities against the void action plan, as outlined in the briefing note.

He outlined the number of new voids and those which had been completed and reported that 40 properties had been completed ready for allocation. He also outlined the following, as presented in the briefing note:-

·         The number of major voids

·         Total overall number of void properties which had increased slightly to 235

·         The performance of the current contractors

·         Top reasons for terminations

The Service Manager commented that due to the action plan moving in the right direction the void management team would now meet every quarter instead of every month, and also that the contractor’s allocation had now increased to 65 voids and this would continue to be increased month by month. 

Councillor Bernie Attridge expressed his concerns around people in temporary accommodation not being offered the void properties in the high rise flats, Flint.  The Chief Officer (Housing and Communities) advised that the accommodation at the high rise flats were designated sheltered accommodation for people over the age of 55.  She also explained that the profile of accommodation across the County did not meet the needs of the profile of people in temporary accommodation and options to address this were considered by the Committee at the last meeting. 

Councillor Dale Selvester asked what plans were in place to promote low demand properties.  The Cabinet Member for Housing & Regeneration advised that videos of properties were provided and supported the suggestion from Councillor Selvester that consideration be given to improving the information and providing videos on the Council’s website. 

The Chair suggested that, due to the Christmas break, the Committee receive the void management briefing note at the January meeting for information only.  The Committee supported this suggestion.  

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.