The meeting of the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee on June 6th covered several key topics, including the status of a community asset, updates on housing projects, and various administrative matters. The meeting included public participation, with Mr. A. Bowling from London Thorpe and Haraby Without Parish Council raising concerns about the potential development of a community asset.

Community Asset Concerns

Mr. A. Bowling, Vice Chair of London Thorpe and Haraby Without Parish Council, questioned the committee about plans to develop the former Blessed Hugh More playing site, which is listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). He expressed concerns over the potential removal of the ACV status and the covenant protecting the site. Councillor Virginia Moran, the new Cabinet Member for Housing, clarified that there are no current plans to develop the site. She explained that initial discussions were held at the request of a ward councillor, but the decision was made not to pursue the development further.

Apologies for Absence

Councillor Emma Baker was absent and substituted by Councillor George Harris.

Disclosure of Interest

No members declared any interests in the items on the agenda.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

The minutes from the meeting held on March 21, 2024, were approved without any comments on their accuracy.

Announcements and Updates

• Councillor Virginia Moran was congratulated on her new role as Cabinet Member for Housing.
• Councillor Dilks was also congratulated for retaining his position in the Cabinet.
• Councillor Wood raised a question about the committee's authority to refer matters to the Cabinet or full Council. It was clarified that the committee can refer items if a majority vote is achieved.

Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee Achievements

Councillor Moran provided an overview of the committee's achievements over the past 12 months, including:

• Approval of various housing policies.
• Implementation of the choice-based lettings system.
• Completion of 380 void properties.
• Purchase and development of new properties.
• Compliance with regulatory inspections.

Mutual Exchange Procedure

The committee discussed the Mutual Exchange Procedure, which outlines the process and conditions under which mutual exchanges can be approved or refused. The procedure ensures that properties meet the Council's standards before exchanges are approved.

Change for Lincs Update

Councillor Moran provided an update on the Change for Lincs service, which addresses rough sleeping. The number of rough sleepers is increasing nationally, and the service is adjusting to accommodate this. Funding is secured until March 2025, and discussions are ongoing about whether to continue with the joint service or bid for individual funding.

Social Housing Decarbonisation

The committee received an update on the social housing decarbonisation project. The Council has installed various energy-efficient measures in its properties and achieved its year 1 grant allocation spend. Phases 2 and 3 of the project are underway, with plans to install air source heat pumps and external wall insulation.

Housing Compliance Figures

The latest compliance figures were discussed, with updates on gas and electrical safety checks. The Council is working to address a backlog of appointments left by the outgoing contractor, Liberty Gas.

Earl's Field Grantham Project Update

The committee received an update on the Earl's Field Grantham project, which aims to refurbish properties. The project is progressing, with 49 properties completed and work ongoing on 15 more.

Builds and Acquisitions Update

Councillor Moran provided an update on various housing development projects, including Swinegate, Elizabeth Road, and Wellington Way. The Council is also in the process of purchasing additional properties to add to its stock.

Integrated Housing Management Systems Implementation

The committee received an update on the implementation of the Integrated Housing Management System, which aims to streamline housing processes and improve efficiency.

Corporate Plan KPIs

The committee reviewed the Council's performance against the previous corporate plan and the KPIs for Q4. The new KPIs suite will be presented in Q3.

Empty Homes Strategy

The committee discussed the updated Empty Homes Strategy, which aims to address long-term empty homes. The strategy was endorsed and will be sent to Cabinet for approval.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed the work programme for the upcoming meetings. Items added for the September meeting include updates on the Riverside Flats, voids, and the Change for Lincs service.

The meeting concluded with no additional urgent business.