Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Beulah East.  Councillor Phoday Jarjussey was present as her substitute.  It was noted that Councillor June Nelson would be arriving a little late for the meeting. 

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meetings held on 22 April 2015 and 14 May 2015 be agreed as correct records. 

RESOLVED:  That all items be considered in public.

At its meeting on 22 April 2015, it had been suggested that Raising Standards in Private Sector Rented Accommodation be considered as the Committee's first major review topic for this municipal year.  However, as this was a broad subject and 'raising standards' required definition, officers were present to provide Members with additional information, should they decide to progress this topic.  If Members did not wish to undertake this review, consideration would need to be given to an alternative topic. 

Mr Ed Shaylor advised that, since 2004, a nationwide standard (Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)) had been implemented for hazard assessments in occupied dwellings to reduce the number of injuries.  It was noted that all housing was subject to hazards but that the rating system identified those hazards that were more likely to cause injury in the next twelve months.  HHSRS assessed 29 housing hazards and the effects that each might have on the health and safety of the current or future occupant or any visitor to the property.  The hazards assessed were: damp and mould growth; excess cold; excess heat; asbestos (and MMF); biocides; carbon monoxide and fuel combustion products; lead; radiation; uncombusted fuel gas; volatile organic compounds; entry by intruders; lighting; noise; crowding and space; domestic hygiene, pests and refuse; food safety; personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage; water supply; falls associated with baths, etc; falling on level surfaces, etc; falling on stairs, etc; falling between levels; electrical hazards; fire; flames, hot surfaces, etc; collision and entrapment; explosions; position and operability of amenities, etc; and structural collapse and falling elements. 

The most common cause of complaints in the colder months was damp and mould growth.  Although landlords would be required to resolve some of these issues, the hazards were not always as a result of their negligence and could be as a result of things like draying laundry, showers and kettles which all contributed to a build up of condensation that could cause damp in some properties. 

The second most common cause of complaints from tenants was in relation to excess cold.  Clearly, this type of complaint was predominantly made over the winter months and, if the landlord failed to rectify any issues identified, the Council was able to undertake remedial action and pass the charges on to the landlord. 

In the summer, the main causes of complaints were in relation to sanitation and drainage, pest infestation, damp and mould growth, electricity and gas, structural collapse, lack of cooking facilities, water supply door locks, boilers and occasionally fire hazards. 

Mr Shaylor agreed to forward a breakdown of the nature of the complaints being received from tenants and the outcomes. 

It was noted that the Council's Housing Standards Team currently comprised five officers who dealt with both multiple and single occupancy housing.  In December 2014, January 2015 and February 2015, the Team received approximately 60-70 reports from tenants each month.  During May 2015, this number reduced to 24.  The total number of reports made each year by the 10-  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Committee considered the latest version of the Cabinet Forward Plan. 

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted. 

Consideration was given to the Committee's Work Programme and timetable of meetings for the current municipal year. 

RESOLVED:  That the Work Programme be noted.