Agenda item

7.1

The Committee received a report of the Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services which provided an update on the progress of the implementation of the new Housing+ approach to Council housing management.  This update had been requested by the Committee to coincide with Committee Members’ recent visits to, and the work-shadowing of staff in, the Neighbourhood Teams.

7.2

In attendance for this item were Janet Sharpe (Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services) and Bev Mullooly (Head of Neighbourhood Services).

7.3

The report was supported by a presentation given by Janet Sharpe which provided information on the implementation of Housing+, a reminder of what it involved, how it supported the Council’s ways of working, the journey so far and next steps.

7.4

Members made various comments and asked a number of questions, to which responses were provided as follows:-

·                It was recognised that more officer visibility and targeted communications may be advisable in order to increase tenants’ understanding of Housing+ and that Councillors and Tenants’ and Residents’ Associations could also be of assistance in this regard.

·                There was to be a 12 month review of the implementation of Housing+ and by that time it was expected that the majority of officers would be happy with the new approach.

·                Customer satisfaction feedback would be part of the study being conducted by the University of Sheffield to measure the health and wellbeing impact of Housing+, and it was hoped to identify individuals requiring support at an early stage in order to prevent future costs.  Tenant representatives were also working with officers in connection with this study.

·                An officer training programme had been introduced, which placed an emphasis on identifying vulnerable individuals.  In addition, work was being undertaken with the South Yorkshire Police, Community Safety Teams and Probation Service to share intelligence and bring all services together. 

7.5

Members also commented on how Housing and Neighbourhood Services would work with other Council departments in relation to Housing+ and the misuse of properties.  They also shared their views on how Housing+ was working for tenants and officers, with the general impression being that it was working well, particularly in relation to tenants being put at ease and the team spirit of the officers.  The Chair, Councillor Tony Damms, suggested that the aim to visit each tenant every year might be changed to an intention, so that efforts could be concentrated where they were needed most.  He also suggested that Committee Members may wish to consider repeat visits to the Neighbourhood Teams.

7.6

RESOLVED: That the Committee:-

(a)       thanks Janet Sharpe and Bev Mullooly for their contribution to the meeting; and

(b)       notes the contents of the report and presentation, the responses to questions and Members’ comments.