Issue - meetings

That the Housing Service Plan 2013-2014 be endorsed.                   

The Head of Housing introduced a report to seek Member endorsement of the 2013-2014 Housing Service Plan. 

The Head of Housing detailed the background to the report and explained that the service plan set out the housing service’s priorities and key actions to secure continuous improvement in 2013-2014.  A summary of the challenges faced by the service and the opportunities for change and improvement were detailed in the report and included improving performance in void management; working towards delivery of a regional allocations policy and housing register; delivering projects and initiatives to mitigate the effect of Welfare Reform and delivering the Flint Regeneration Housing Scheme. 

Councillor Alison Halford asked for further information on staff appraisals and sickness absence and also on gypsies and travellers.  The Head of Housing said that the target for appraisals was 100% for all staff.  She added that sickness absence figures were improving and she was confident that sickness absence would continue to reduce.  On the issue of gypsies and travellers the Housing Strategy Manager said that consideration was being given to the expansion of the Riverside Site and for a transit site in Greenfield.  Councillor Peter Curtis asked whether there was an update on the Dollar Park site as he felt that there was an unlawful expansion of the site.  The Head of Housing suggested that the Housing Strategy Manager look at the issue following this meeting and advise Councillor Curtis of his findings.  Councillor Gareth Roberts said that the site had been granted permission on appeal until 2015 for 12 pitches but these had not all been used.  He added that if all of the pitches were now being used, it could appear that the site had expanded. 

Councillor Roberts also queried whether there was adequate provision in the other North Wales authority areas.  In response, the Housing Strategy Manager said that in North Wales, Flintshire County Council provided 58% of the sites and Wrexham County Borough Council provided 33%.  There were a small number of sites in Anglesey but Conwy, Denbighshire and Gwynedd County Councils did not have any formal provision for gypsies and travellers.  He referred to a housing white paper which proposed a statutory duty for all authorities to make provision for sites. 

In response to a query from Councillor Mike Reece on the boarding up of some of the maisonettes in Flint, the Head of Housing said that this was necessary due to risks to remaining residents. 

RESOLVED:

That the Housing Service Plan 2013-2014 be endorsed.