MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND BENEFITS SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON THURSDAY, 12 JUNE 2003 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM
Present :
Mr I R Stephens (Chairman), Mr J R Adams, Mr A C Bartlett Mrs B D Clough, Mr J F Howe, Mr R G Mazillius, Mr A J Mellor, Mr V J Morey, Mr C Richards (deputising for Mr C R Hancock), Mr D G Williams
Portfolio Holder :
Mr G S Kendall
Apologies :
Mrs D Gardiner, Mr C R Hancock, Mrs E Oulton
11. MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT, subject to Minute 2 being amended to read “discretionary grants”, the Minutes of the meeting held on the 8 May 2003 be confirmed.
12. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Mrs Swan asked a oral question in relation to Factitious or Induced Illnesses in Children. The Strategic Director would provide a written reply.
Mr Page asked a oral question in relation to discretionary grants. The Strategic Director would provide a written reply
13. WOMEN’S REFUGE
The Select Committee received the report of the Head of Housing Services as previously requested by Members which outlined the work undertaken by the Women’s Refuge. The Committee welcomed the Coordinator of the Islands Women’s Refuge to the meeting who provided members with a very interesting presentation on the work, pressures and difficulties the refuge faced.
It was noted that the refuge was opened in 1991 and since that time had accommodated more than 1100 women but was unable to accommodate a further 1400. One of the refuges greatest difficulties was rehousing women. Although a good relationship was maintained with the Council’s Homelessness department and the Supporting People Programme. The Coordinator highlighted that the refuge did not impose a burden on the Islands Housing Association. It was noted that in 2002 only 4 out of 26 families were rehoused on the Island.
The Select Committee was advised that in addition to the refuge, through a Island Housing Association one safe house had been opened although it was emphasised that more were needed.
The refuge coordinator was warmly thanked by the Select Committee for her very interesting presentation.
RESOLVED :
THAT the Select Committee support the concept of the acquisition of further ‘safe houses’ on the Isle of Wight.
14. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ADAPTIONS AND WORK DELAYS
Consideration was given to the report of the Acting Head of Adult Services which detailed the current waiting times for adaptations within the Occupational Therapy Service (OTS). Since October 1997 the OTS had been managed by a joint Occupational Therapy Manager working in both Health and Social Services, which reduced duplication of resources for assessment. This had enabled new services to be introduced subsequently reducing waiting times. The report focussed on OTS work with adaptations, Minor Adaptation Service and Mobile Occupational Therapy Service.
In discussion it was asked whether OT had any input on new build properties regarding the development of Disable Accessible Properties. It was noted that OT were currently working with partner Housing Associations to try and produce flexible housing stock.
With regard to the installation of stairlifts the OTS, through the Common Housing Register were flagging up properties that had previously had an adaptation that was no longer required.
RESOLVED :
(a) THAT the Occupational Therapy Leaflet be published on the Council’s website.
(b) THAT Occupational Therapy Leaflets be available in Council Help Centres, Customer Service Centre, GP surgeries and at Health Services
15. HOMELESSNESS AND NOMINATION STATISTICS
Members received the report of the Head of Housing Services which provided members with the opportunity to scrutinise the Homelessness Monitoring and Nomination Statistics for the month of April 2003.
The Committee noted that the number of households in bed and breakfast had slowed and was in line with the agreed Office for the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) milestones. Although the number of families remaining over 6 weeks had actually risen, it was thought that this was a temporary trend. The average time to make a decision on an application had fallen from 33 to 26 days.
The Homelessness Task Group had met in May 2003 to consider the report format It had been agreed that no change was necessary for the time being.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be noted.
16. HOMELESS HOUSEHOLDS IN TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION - RESULTS OF A USER CONSULTATION SURVEY
The Head of Housing Services reported on the results of a recent user consultation survey conducted amongst residents in temporary accommodation. The survey had been carried out as developmental work with regard to the production a new Homelessness Strategy to be published by the end of July 2003. Members were advised that following change to legislation which required local authorities to develop a new comprehensive homelessness Strategy the guidance made clear that authorities would undertake probing reviews of existing services to evaluate adequacy, suitability and effectiveness.
In discussion it was agreed that the possibility of a dedicated phone line be investigated.
RESOLVED :
THAT the Housing department investigate whether users have accessed the private sector for Housing prior to enlisting the Council’s help
17. EMPTY PROPERTY REPORT
The Select Committee gave consideration to the report of the Head of Housing Services on the work that had been undertaken during 2002/03 by the Housing Initiatives Officer to return empty and derelict buildings back into use for housing.
The Empty Property Strategy for 2003-2006 had been produced to accompany the main housing strategy and underpinned the main corporate objectives. It was noted that 42 properties had successfully been brought back into use for 2002/03, against a target of 31. The 2001 census showed the number of empty dwellings to be1700
The Empty Property campaign had developed many initiatives to raise awareness of the problem including writing to Councillors and Parish councils, submitting articles in the Isle of Wight County Press, letters to owners and talks to partner agencies and voluntary groups. It was also suggested that its profile be raised through Councillors local newsletters. Members supported the initiative of visiting Parish Councils to explain the problems and importance of bring empty properties back into use.
Through discussion it was noted that links and communication with the Planning department had been improved.
RESOLVED :
THAT the Committee support the exploration of the policy which enabled a ‘compulsory lease scheme’ for properties that remain empty for a long time.
18. HOUSING RENEWAL STRATEGY
Members received the report of the Head of Housing Services which informed members of the contents of a new strategic approach to Housing Renewal on the Island. The development of the strategy was statutory to all local Authorities wishing to award grants and gain assistance for renewal.
This was the first time a separate strategy for Housing Renewal had been produced as it had always be included within the overall Housing Strategy. Members noted that a wide number of interested parties had been involved in consultation.
The aims and objectives of the Strategy were as follows :
* To reduce unfitness on the Island
* To eradicate fuel poverty and promote energy efficiency
* To enforce acceptable minimum standards in the private sector
* To reduce empty properties on the Island
It was recognised that within the Strategy the Council needed to engage two principal methods; encouragement through advice and assistance together with enforcement of minimum standards through a pro-active enforcement policy.
In discussion Members considered the Strategy to be thorough and supported its content. With regard to Government Resource the Committee raised concern as to whether the objectives were realistic and achievable Members were advised that £700,000 was invested into grants last year however this had been reduced to £340,000 for 2003/04, additional resources were being investigated to support this shortfall.
RESOLVED :
THAT it be recommended to the Executive that the Select Committee accept the Housing Renewal Strategy.
19. MEMBERS QUESTION TIME
Mr R G Mazillius asked an oral question in relation to the Social Services Headquarters computer system in particular that the system was crashing on a regular basis. The Strategic Director advised members that a grant was available to improve the ageing system and the Great Access to Greater Services (GAGS) agenda may also improve the situation.
CHAIRMAN