Agenda item

The Chair welcomed the Deputy Mayor Glyn Jones, James Thomas and Julie Mepham to the meeting. Members of the Committee were provided an opportunity to ask questions on the report and the following issues were raised.

Members sought clarity on the effectiveness of SLHD’s partnership arrangements including its relationship with the Doncaster Children’s Services Trust (DCST).

The Committee was informed that SLHD took a wide partnership approach to support individuals in retaining their tenancy and reduce homelessness and rough sleeping.  As a member of Team Doncaster SLHD worked closely with the Council, the Police, Health services, the prison and probation service and numerous support services.

In respect of young people SLHD works with the DCST to resolve specific housing solutions for 16 to 18 year old care leavers, including identifying suitable properties, ensuring young people understand their duties as tenants, assisting with obtaining white goods and undertaking follow up visits to monitor progress. SLHD also work to help identify eligibility for personal grants, access to food banks and where appropriate issue food vouchers. Whilst the primary focus was on housing, SLHD also offered work experience and apprenticeships to young people who were in or had experience of the care system.

It was agreed that further information would be provided to the Committee regarding any work undertaken by SLHD with the Social Isolation and Loneliness Alliance.

The Committee was informed that whilst overall partnership working was effective, there were areas of challenge including receiving timely feedback following mental health referrals. Due to confidentiality issues SLHD were not present during these session but having the necessary information readily available to understand the impact on the individual as a tenant was important in helping the individual maintain their tenancy.

It was reported that the Universal Credit (UC) system and particularly those individual’s awaiting payment had led to a spike in the demand for foodbanks.

It was considered that the demand caused by delays had reduced as advance payments could now be issued. Members requested information in respect of the number of people in the Borough accessing foodbanks. It was acknowledged that this was outside the scope of the report and whilst SLHD would be aware of tenants it referred to food banks, it would not have a complete picture. It was agreed investigations would be undertaken to identify if this information was available for circulation to Members outside of the meeting.

The Committee asked if there was a link between an increase in UC claimants and the number of tenants in rent arears and enquired how SLHD was effectively supporting tenants to improve personal financial management. Members were informed that assistance was given to tenants completing the online claim including where applicants lacked the necessary ICT skills. Members recognised that direct payments assisted with the regular collection but tenants on low incomes had to prioritise how they spend their benefits.

It was confirmed that SLHD worked closely with tenants to assist them in effectively managing their finances. Reference was also made to support available for tenants in private sector accommodation. It was reported that tenants were informed of their responsibilities and the Councils obligation as landlord in meeting decency standards.

In response to a question about the safety of staff visiting tenants it was reported that SLHD work closely with the Police to ensure staff are aware when going in to properties or areas where there may be potential threats of violence or personal injury.

The Committee asked whether the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) detailed in the report accurately describe the effectiveness of the services provided by SLHD. It was reported that the KPIs were benchmarked across other housing delivery organisations and identified critical business indicators including alignment with decent homes standards. KPIs were developed with the Board and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and were regularly reviewed through the quarterly performance monitoring process. Indicators were reviewed annually to ensure they remained appropriate. The Committee was informed that following the annual review, the target for the average number of days to re-let standard properties was reduced from 23 days in 2018/19 to 20 calendar days for 2019/20. This was made to complement other void measures but also to ensure targets remained challenging and aspirational. The issues around the underperformance of this target were currently being addressed.

In response to a question about the relevance of annual KPIs the Committee was informed these were where there was little change from each quarter or because of an annual satisfaction survey for example.

The Chair thanked Councillor Jones and Julie Crook for their attendance.

RESOLVED that the Committee note the progress of SLHD performance outcomes and the contribution SLHD makes to supporting strategic priorities.