Agenda item

Rod Smith, Service Manager – Tenancy Management and Melissa Murphy, Housing Register and Allocations Manager, were present for this item. The report was presented summarising the key processes and interfaces within the management of Voids and some key points were highlighted. It was noted that, in 2020, over half of empty homes required major works and improvements to be brought up to a habitable standard, this was a significant driver of costs.

A number of changes to the void property management process had been delivered since 2019, notably the development of a tracking system  to notify the Lettings team of the expected return date and any changes to said date, this aided the Lettings team to forward plan key parts of their process. Further notable changes included a pilot initiative in relation to viewings whilst void repair works were in progress and the retendering of the Voids Repairs Service’s void repairs contract which moved towards a one stop shop for works of a varied nature and value, reducing the need to employ multiple contactors to complete a single void.

The Committee highlighted the need to make the most of the Council’s housing stick and the importance of this work area. Members also noted how the management of void properties was a challenging work area and commended officers on their efforts.

Members were minded to explore the challenges with regards to letting sheltered housing; officers informed the Committee that the vast majority of sheltered housing voids were one bedroom properties which limited the amount of work that needed to be done and as such generally indicated a shorter empty property time. However, there were challenges involved with letting sheltered schemes, some schemes were considered very popular whereas some were less so and would take multiple viewings leading to a longer empty property time.

Regarding the condition of voids properties, the general underlying issue was investment in the general stock with the major impact on the voids turnaround time being the number of properties requiring major works such as rewiring, new kitchens and new bathrooms.

Members queried the number of photographs used when advertising void properties, the Committee had noted that only a small number of photographs, two to three, were used. Officers informed Members that the service generally advertised properties when they were notified that the previous tenant would be leaving, however the tenant would usually still be occupying the property. The limited number of photos used was to not identify the exact whereabouts of the property as there had been instances of people arriving unannounced to attempt viewing the property.

Regarding the level of decorating required to meet the minimum lettable requirements, the Committee were informed that under the conditions of tenancy, the decorative standard was the responsibility of the tenant, although there were exceptions to this. With regard to floor coverings, basic flooring was provided generally for bathrooms and kitchens where properties required it, however, new carpets for circulation areas were not typically provided. Members queried what support may be given to residents in terms of furnishing and decorating; officers highlighted that every person using the service has an initial support assessment and there is the availability of vouchers for secondhand furniture through Trinity.

RESOLVED:  That the Committee noted the content of the report and the ongoing work to make best use of the Council’s available housing stock and the mitigate the extent of rent loss.