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 33 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 237

·         The performance of the current contractors

·         Top reasons for terminations

Councillor David Evans commented on the reasons for terminations listed within the briefing note and suggested that all of the reasons for termination be listed in order to match the number shown within the table.  He said that he was reassured by the comments around the additional contractor but did not feel positive around the total number of void properties and said that he wanted to see this figure reduce drastically over the coming months. 

Councillor Rosetta Dolphin asked how quickly were void properties which required no improvement works returned for allocation to a new tenant.  The Service Manager responded that those properties would be classed as properties requiring minor works and would be allocated to the Council’s internal team.  The target for minor improvements was 20 working days and this target was being met.  He added that 70% of properties required major works and that was the biggest cause of delays due to legacy issues.

Councillor Kevin Rush supported the comments made by Councillor Evans and raised concern that if the number of void properties returned followed the average over the last 8 months, it would take a number of years to bring down the number of void properties to a manageable level. 

In response to a question from Councillor Dennis Hutchinson, the Service Manager advised that the Council work with a company to recycle furniture and in line with the Council’s Policy, void properties should be returned in a clean and tidy condition and that anything left at the property could be a chargeable cost to the Council.  He said he would pick up Councillor Hutchinson’s specific concern following the meeting. 

The recommendation to note the update was moved by Councillor Geoff Collett and seconded by Councillor David Evans.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.