Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Dhot. Cllr Curling acted as substitute.

None.

Were agreed as an accurate record subject to the following amendments. That the attendance be changed to read: Cllr Lakmana and Cllr Khatra were not present but Cllr Dhot and Cllr Oswell were.

All the items were considered in Part 1.

The Service Manager - Tenancy Services introduced the report which provided an update on the progress made by Officers since the last report which was received in October 2014.

Officers explained that new ways of working had created a specialist tenancy sustainment function over and above that delivered as an integral part of the tenancy management function. The sustainment team was now central to supporting the objectives of a number of housing teams across the ‘housing specialist’ and ‘tenancy management' services.

The Committee learnt that underpinning the entire 'end to end' process was the adoption of a risk-based approach to the management of all tenancy types. Central to this approach was:

• The initial and ongoing assessment of risk.
• A more tailored approach to the management of the tenancy which is person centred.
• The adoption of a planned [risk-based] approach to the management of the tenancy.
• The use of annual ‘tenancy checks’ alongside ‘new tenant visits’ and ‘probationary tenancy visits’ as a minimum.
• Drawing in more specialist resources where required.
• Recording planned and unplanned ‘tenancy events’ in a single ‘living plan’ [the Tenancy Management Plan] during the life-time of the tenancy which is held on Civica.

Officers confirmed that a risk based approach to the management of successful tenancies ensured the Council intervened at an early stage to help 'at-risk tenants' retain a secure home while meeting the responsibilities of their tenancy agreement. This approach also took account of people moving in and out of vulnerability during the lifetime of their tenancy and in response to certain 'trigger events' e.g. bereavement, relationship breakdown, ill-health and loss of employment. Therefore, contact with the tenant and the ongoing assessment and management of risk were central to the mitigation of tenancy failure.

Officers explained that all new tenants would receive a 'new tenant visit' within 4 weeks of tenancy commencement. This important meeting would fulfil a number of functions including, the establishment of  the landlord and tenant relationship moving forward and it would also be the first occasion for the Housing Officer to 'assess' the tenant's needs and requirements for any support to effectively sustain the tenancy.

In addition to assessing the tenant and identifying any unmet needs, the Committee learnt that the completion a new tenant visit checklist was an opportunity to share a number of key messages with the tenant. Working through the new tenant visit form and using the checklist approach, it was possible for the Housing Officer to identify 'risks' and support 'gaps' which needed to be picked up as an integral part of developing the 'tenancy management plan'.

As part of the new tenant visit process, all new tenants would be assessed as either 'low', 'medium' or 'high' risk of tenancy failure. This risk rating tool could then be used to help formulate the content of the plan and recognise the impact of a range of 'trigger incidents'.

The Committee heard that a more person centred approach to the management of a tenancy required the Housing Officer to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

MAJOR REVIEWS IN 2014/15 - dRAFT fINAL rEPORT

Officers introduced the draft final report and explained this summarised the findings of the witness session which had been held on 24 February 2015.

The report and recommendations were agreed subject the following amendments:

1. That reference be made to the lack of an over arching dental strategy in paragraph 23 of the report.
2. That the NICE recommendations, be included as an appendix to the report to Cabinet.

Resolved -

1. That subject to the amendments listed above, the report and recommendations be agreed.
2. That the report be circulated to the Chairman and Labour Lead for agreement outside the meeting.
3. That the report be considered at April / May 2015 Cabinet.

The Committee considered the latest version of the Forward Plan.

Resolved –

1. That the report be noted.

Reference was made to the work programme and timetable of meetings.

Resolved

1. The Committee noted the Work Programme 2014/15.