The Shareholder Committee received a report about the progress of the More Homes Waltham Forest Joint Venture. The Committee noted the contents of the report, including the financial statements for 2023/24. It agreed that 'voids' and 'energy efficiency' should be added as new performance indicators to the scheme.

More Homes Waltham Forest Joint Venture

The Committee discussed the More Homes Waltham Forest Joint Venture Update. This is a partnership between the Council and Mears Group PLC, a housing and social care provider. The scheme aims to reduce the Council's spending on temporary accommodation by buying homes which are rented at Local Housing Allowance rates to tenants nominated by the Council.

Jonathan Mallen-Beadle of Mears introduced the report and was questioned by the Committee. The Committee were interested in the performance indicators used by the scheme and asked that 'voids' and 'energy efficiency' be added as new performance indicators.

The Committee asked why ‘voids’ had not been included as a performance indicator. Mr Mallen-Beadle explained that there were very few voids and said that of 330 properties there were only 10 voids, which amounted to less than 10%. The Committee suggested that ‘voids’ and ‘energy efficiency’ were added as new PIs.

The Committee were interested in rent arrears. Mr Mallen-Beadle explained that arrears were a challenge for the scheme, but that they had not increased over the last five years. The Committee heard that many residents required support with arrears and that the scheme sought to support residents rather than to use the courts.

The Committee asked what was considered the biggest challenge in relation to performance. Mr Mallen-Beadle confirmed that rent areas was a significant challenge and pointed out that in the last 5 years, rent arrears had not increased. He said that many customers required support and he confirmed that that support could be provided. He added that his concerns did not relate to the arrears themselves, it was more concerning when residents refused to discuss the issue. Mr Mallen- Beadle said that he was keen to work with and support residents as opposed to taking legal action.

The Committee also asked about the steps being taken to address damp and mould. The Committee heard that this was only a problem in 3% of properties.

The Committee requested further details around incidents of damp and mould. Mr Mallen-Beadle stated that damp and mould had not been a significant issue with the contract and said that that was likely to be due to the quality stock that had been purchased. He confirmed that damp and mould were an issue in less than 3% of properties.

Finally, the Committee asked what the most important factor was in delivering the scheme. Mr Mallen-Beadle stated that this was ensuring that properties were purchased at the right price.

The Committee asked what the most important thing was to enable Mears to really deliver for residents. Mr Mallen-Beadle said that it was most important to purchase the right properties at the right price.