MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND BENEFITS SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON WEDNESDAY, 2 OCTOBER 2002 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

Mr I R Stephens (Chairman), Mr A C Bartlett, Mrs T M Butchers, Mrs B D Clough, Mr M J Cunningham (deputising for Mrs E Oulton), Mr G S Kendall, Mr A J Mellor, Mr K Pearson (deputising for Mrs D Gardiner), Mr R C Richards, Mr D G Williams

Apologies :

Mrs D Gardiner, Mrs E Oulton, Mr G P Price

Portfolio Holder :

Mr R G Mazillius

 35.      MINUTES

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 September be confirmed.

36.      URGENT BUSINESS

The Chairman raised an item of urgent business relating to the Committee’s workplan which required consideration prior to the next meeting.

The Select Committee were informed that some items on the Committees Workplan that were due to be considered at the meeting had been delayed. The Chairman asked that the Strategic Director ensure that the Committee’s Workplan be adhered to. The Chairman emphasised the importance of the Workplan and the effect that a backlog of delayed reports would have on future meetings.

RESOLVED :

THAT the request be noted.

37.      REPORTS OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING

           (a)       Audit Commission Inspection Report on Homelessness and Housing Advice and Subsequent Improvement Plan

The Select Committee received the Audit Commission report on Homelessness and Housing advice and the Subsequent Improvement Plan. Members were reminded that in April 2002 the Council received an inspection from the Audit Commission as part of the Government inspection of Council’s and Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) process. The Strategic Director advised that the CPA used two measures to assess performance. Arising from the inspection the Social Services Directorate had been assessed as providing a ‘fair’ one star service that had ‘promising’ prospects for improvement.

Members welcomed Mr Thatcher from the Independent Housing Advice Centre. The Select Committee were advised that the centre provided additional to support to the homeless on a contracted-out basis.

In discussion, Members considered the financial implication of the subsequent Improvement Plan. It was indicated that there were no immediate implications but as the Plan was implemented this could change.

Although it was recognised by Members, that staff dealing with homelessness faced a difficult challenge, some concern was raised at the views of some external organisations which had been highlighted in the report. The Strategic Director indicated that in some cases they may be referring to the past rather than present experience. The use of Bed and Breakfast facilities remained the biggest hurdle to overcome. The Select Committee were advised that the B&B action plan had been approved and the Council had been awarded £100,000 to deliver the plan.

The Strategic Director advised Members that the Directorate was very active in bringing disused properties back into use through the Housing Initiatives Officer. It was suggested and agreed that all local Parish Council’s be contacted to help identify any empty properties.

RESOLVED :

                      (i)        THAT the Audit Commission Inspection report on Homelessness and Housing Advice and Subsequent Improvement Plan be noted.

                      (ii)       THAT the Improvement Plan be brought back to the Select Committee in January 2002 to monitor its progress.

           (b)       Homelessness Monitoring Statistics

The Select Committee received the Homeless Monitoring Statistics. Members had requested the statistics at a previous meeting to enable close monitoring and scrutiny. It was noted that the current performance was in line with year 2001/02 with only subtle variances. It was asked that the statistics be tabled to include month on month comparative data.

RESOLVED :

THAT the report be noted and be brought back to the Select Committee on a monthly basis

CHAIRMAN