Agenda item

The committee is requested to consider the draft Private Sector Housing Renewal Strategy 2016-2012 and make any comments on this document prior to the consultation period with stakeholders.

Mrs Reed explained that local authorities are undertaking reviews of housing stock in the district. A desktop exercise has been carried out. 22% of stock has a category one health and safety hazard. The results also indicate a high level of fuel poverty and cold homes in the central and northern areas of the district. The highest levels of hazards are also in the central and north areas of the district. Mrs Reed explained a strategy had been developed to help towards reducing these figures.

The strategy involves four main types of financial assistance:

1.     A Landlord Accreditation Scheme for private sector landlords to match-fund properties to bring them up to the minimum standard. Landlords can access up to £4,000 across a 10 year period. This has been successful since 2006 with the University of Chichester now only advertise accredited properties. 

2.     A Home Repair Assistance Scheme for the most vulnerable to carry out essential repairs if they meet the requirements of a means test.

3.     A Chichester Warm Homes Initiative for landlords and homeowners to provide vulnerable tenants with funding when they are unable to access grants from energy companies.

4.     Providing mandatory disabled facilities grants and continuing to work with housing colleagues to ensure clients reside in a suitable home.

Mr Dunmall clarified that the recommendation should read 2021.

Mr Dunmall added that the stock modelling exercise showed a much lower level of excess cold hazard and fuel poverty in social housing.

Mr Cullen asked for clarification on funding provided by WSCC. Mr Dunmall advised an approximate 10% cut back on funding was likely.

Mr Ransley commented on the terms of reference and the credibility of a desktop exercise and could see no target or outcome proposed in the strategy. Mr Ransley asked how the most vulnerable would be identified and requested an indication of achievements from the current year in order to justify any targets set for the strategy next year.

Mr Dunmall explained that the information used was sourced from the 2011 Census which contained questions about home and heating. The English House Condition Survey also provided data on financial resources and expenditure. The Building Research Establishment carried out the stock modelling exercise and the results of such surveys have been shown to reflect the results of physical surveys. Mr Dunmall explained the strategy was in draft and amendments will be considered following the consultation process.

Mr Ransley asked how the most vulnerable would be identified. Mr Dunmall explained that information is held for individual properties on a database but staffing levels do not allow for a thorough search. The council will identify residents with capital under £16,000 who are in receipt of a means tested benefit.

Mrs Hamilton asked if any of the Rural Estate Landlords had joined the accreditation scheme and if they had why they required the financial benefits. Mr Dunmall explained that no Rural Estate Landlords had taken up the scheme. Cabinet had provided Cowdray, Goodwood and similar estates with grants in 2001.

Mr Dunmall explained new legislation requires that any complaint submitted in writing by a tenant receives a response and plan of action from the landlord in 14 days. The tenant would receive protection from eviction for six months from the date of the complaint.

Mr Shaxson questioned the communication with landlords as he was unaware of the initiatives.

Mr Shaxson asked how effective the schemes were and whether lessons had been learnt. Mr Dunmall explained that approximately 50 households have been improved each year. 350 properties are above standard with approximately 300 of those multiple occupancy with three to four beds. Mrs Reed added that the budget is limited with two health officers available to visit properties. Landlord engagement and tenants coming forward are the main sources of identifying properties. Mrs Reed emphasised the wish to promote a strategy that can achieve results with the resources available.

Mr Shaxson suggested that extensions to houses should be noted. Mr Dunmall explained extensions would be subject to build control so should be up to standard. Mr Shaxson suggested they might be suitable for the occupier but generally not affordable at resale.

Mrs Tassell asked for clarification of affordable housing on exception sites in rural housing areas and whether exception sites would cease. Mr Dunmall explained that through S106 there is a requirement for social housing unless the local authority state otherwise. Mr Dunmall was unable to clarify whether exception sites would be discontinued.

Mr Potter explained that West Dean is an exception estate and only three properties are not owned by the estate. All properties are metered by a gas heating supply charged to the estate. The success of this biomass scheme could lead to a bigger boiler being created to also include the provision of hot water. Mr Potter felt this could be a way forward for other similar communities.

Mr Cullen suggested adding Rural Estate Landlords to the OSC work programme.

Mr Ransley requested that when the strategy comes back after consultation it should have a plan to identify the most vulnerable and provide guidance of intended outcomes annually over the next five years. This was seconded by Mr Cullen.

Mr Ransley requested a definition of category one hazard be put in any future papers.

Mr Ransley requested that the second bullet point on page 4 of the agenda ‘Strict planning controls restricting opportunities for new housing developments in rural areas’ be removed. Mr Dunmall suggested stating ‘within the national park area’.

Mrs Graves asked why the Leconfield Estate had not been included. Mr Dunmall explained that engagement had stopped since the early 2000’s following site visits.

Mr Dunmall clarified that out of the £4 million budget only £686,000 is set aside for repairs over a five year period.

Mr Ransley requested the budget be reassessed to provide a greater resource to the most vulnerable in the district.

Mr Dunmall explained that the disabled facilities money comes from the Better Care WSCC fund. This fund allocated £623,000 to the Chichester district this year but could not clarify future funding. Five years ago the expenditure totalled over £1 million.

RESOLVED

That the draft Private Sector Housing Renewal Strategy 2016-2021 be approved for consultation taking into account the comments and revisions suggested by the committee.