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Venue: Committee Room - Council Offices, London Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4ER. View directions
Contact: Democratic Services Email: committee@uttlesford.gov.uk
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Apologies for Absence and Declarations of Interest To receive any apologies for absence and declarations of interest. Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Dean, Foley and Reeve.
There were no declarations of interest.
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Minutes of the Previous Meeting PDF 175 KB To consider the minutes of the previous meeting. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 20 May 2022 were approved as accurate.
The Chair agreed to hear agenda item 8 next for the benefit of the Property Services Manager NORSE Group.
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NORSE Partnership To review the workings of the NORSE Partnership.
Minutes:
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To note the contents of the report. Minutes: The Housing Strategy and Operations Manager provided an update on the current and proposed development by the Housing Revenue Account across the district.
She noted that the redevelopment of Walden Place already had an agreed budget.
Following questions from Councillors Driscoll and Khan the Housing Strategy and Operations Manager confirmed:
The Chair confirmed that Members have the opportunity to challenge policies where they see fit.
The Leader of the Council said that social and affordable rent could be considered.
Councillor Khan said that all new council homes should only be offered at social rent that was truly affordable, particularly given the current cost of living crisis. Councillor Merifield agreed, but noted that there was only so much money and that consideration should be given as to which option would house the most residents.
The Housing Strategy and Operations Manager agreed to ask the Housing Revenue accountant to model both rent systems for comparison.
The Leader of the Council concluded that in principle everyone agreed, but that the financial implications required consideration.
The report was noted.
Councillor Lemon left the meeting.
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Business Plan Update Minutes: The Assistant Director of Housing Health and Communities confirmed that she had requested an urgent update on the Business Plan by the new accountants.
She confirmed that it would be distributed before September 2022.
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Housing Enabling Update PDF 116 KB To note the projected affordable housing completions.
Minutes: The Housing Enabling and Development Officer provided an update on the projected affordable housing numbers for the coming year.
The projected affordable housing completions were noted.
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Homelessness Update PDF 167 KB To note the update. Minutes: The Housing Strategy and Operations Manager provided an update on the Homelessness Strategy Action Plan and the current homelessness situation in the district.
She confirmed that there were currently sixteen Council temporary accommodation units but still had to use bed and breakfast hotels to accommodate people, although this was avoided as much as possible. The Council did not have any contracts with specific bed and breakfast hotels.
The report and reviewed Action Plan were noted.
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Fixed Term Tenancies PDF 185 KB To consider recommending a revised Tenancy Policy that removes Fixed Term Tenancies to Cabinet. Minutes: The Housing Strategy and Operations Manager presented a report which recommended the amendment of the council`s Tenancy Policy to remove Fixed Term Tenancies.
The Leader of the Council noted that there was insufficient council housing locally which resulted in residents being forced to move out of their local area.
Members resolved to recommend to Cabinet that they revise the Council`s Tenancy Policy to remove Fixed Term Tenancies
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Uttlesford Norse Service Lead Performance Indicator Updates PDF 403 KB To receive an update. Additional documents: Minutes: The Assistant Director of Housing Health and Communities provided an update on the Performance Indicators and invited Housing Board members to visit the Newport depot and view the systems in place.
The Member of the Tenant and Leaseholder Panel reported that the Tenants Panel were back in action meeting with the Safety Partnership and would be visiting Reynolds Court next week.
The Leader of the Council confirmed that the Tenants Panel Forum could meet in the Committee Room at the Council Offices in Saffron Walden.
The meeting finished at 12:51.
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