The Housing and Wellbeing Committee of Arun Council discussed several key issues, including the performance of the Safer Arun Partnership, the distribution of the Swimming Pool Support Fund Phase 2 Grant, and the Local Authority Housing Fund. Decisions were made on the allocation of funds and the progression of housing schemes.

Safer Arun Partnership Scrutiny Report

The Community Safety Officer presented the latest update on the performance of the Safer Arun Partnership (SAP) and the results of the residents’ community safety consultation. Key issues raised included increases in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting by youths in towns such as Barnham, Bognor Regis, and Littlehampton. Concerns were expressed about the limited responses from Sussex Police and the restrictions on actions by store security staff and community safety officers.

The Community Safety Officer noted that the SAP had undertaken a campaign to increase incident reporting and improve responses to anti-social behaviour and crime. The campaign had been shared with other community safety partnerships in West Sussex as an example of best practice. The Committee requested that officers draw the issues to the attention of Sussex Police and keep the Committee informed of progress.

Swimming Pool Support Fund Phase 2 Grant

The Wellbeing Business Manager introduced the report on the successful application for grant funding from the Swimming Pool Support Fund Phase 2. The Committee approved the distribution of project costs (£135,470) to Freedom Leisure (£45,070) and Arundel and Downlands Community Leisure Trust (£90,400) for identified projects. The Council will enter into the grant funding agreement with Sport England, and the funding will be added to the Council’s capital programme for 2024-2025.

Local Authority Housing Fund

The Group Head of Housing reported on the further grant funding received for four three-bedroom homes, three for temporary accommodation and one for the Afghan Resettlement Scheme. The Council will fund 60% of the costs, with £400,000 of Section 106 commuted sums acquired towards the scheme. The Committee approved the progression of the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) award of £624,000 and the allocation of unallocated commuted sums and HRA borrowing as match funding.

Housing Policy & Strategy Review

The Group Head of Housing introduced the report on the Housing policy and strategy review, aimed at supporting the overall effectiveness of the Housing Service. The Committee approved the programme of policy reviews for 2024-25, identifying those of most importance to bring through the committee process and those to be delivered through delegated authority. An amendment was made to include resident engagement in the Voids Policy.

Tenant Satisfaction Measures Action Plan

The Business Improvement Manager presented the report on the Tenant Satisfaction Survey and the actions taken following the survey. The Committee noted the excellent work done and the improvements made in communication with tenants.

Performance Measures for Housing Services - Quarter 3

The Business Improvement Manager reported on the housing performance for Quarter 3, noting improvements in ten areas and declines in six. The Committee noted the improved performance in complaint response times and requested information on the right to buy scheme and the voids figures.

Housing Services Complaints Performance and Determinations Q3

The Business Improvement Manager reported on the performance measures for Housing Services during Quarter 3, noting an upward trend in the handling of complaints. The Committee expressed gratitude for the improvements made.

Responsive Repairs Contract Update

The Group Head of Housing provided an update on the termination of the agreement with Osborne Property Services Limited (OPSL) and the steps taken to ensure continuity of service. The Committee noted the contents of the report.

Outside Bodies - Feedback from Meetings

Councillor Long provided an update on the West Sussex Health and Audit Social Care Committee.

Work Programme

The Committee noted the work programme for 2023-24.

For more details, you can refer to the Final Minutes 26032024 Housing and Wellbeing Committee.