Issue - meetings

The Committee heard from the Healthy and Accessible Homes Team Leader with a report regarding an update on the progress of the Good Homes Alliance work, and seeking approval for funding for an extension of the project. Members also welcomed Mr Adam Newman-Pring, the Healthy and Accessible Homes Lead for Lincolnshire and the Lead for the Good Home Alliance Project. The report set out the key findings from the first year of operations, and the funding contributions required to continue the advice and casework pilot for a further 21 months from 1 July 2026, which was when the current pilot and funding period ended, to 31 March 2028.

The Chairman highlighted that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had received a presentation from Mr Newman-Pring regarding the work of the alliance, and invited Councillor J McGhee, as Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to put forward her comments. She reiterated the support from the Committee, and summarised their areas of attention, namely how to increase referral numbers in West Lindsey, options of best practice for retrofitting properties, and lobbying government for improved grant systems.

Members of the Committee enquired as to the proportionality of referrals from West Lindsey, to which it was explained that there had been targeted activity in the area to raise awareness and encourage referrals. Should the pilot be extended, this work would continue. In response to a question regarding measurable benefits of the scheme, it was explained that the commissioned report into the first year of activity had demonstrated sufficient benefit to prove value for money, however the final evaluation, including cost analysis, would not be completed until after 30 June 2026, the outcome of which would be presented in due course.

Members enquired as to where that outcome report would be presented, to which it was confirmed that any decision-making request would be referred through the relevant policy committee, with the option for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to also receive the evaluation report.

With Members reiterating their support for the scheme, and the Chaiman issuing thanks to all involved, and Mr Newman-Pring for his time with the Committee, the recommendations within the report were duly moved and seconded. On taking the vote it was

            RESOLVED that

a)    the positive impact of the Good Homes Alliance work to date be acknowledged; and

b)    it be agreed to fund the Good Homes Alliance for a further two years to 31 March 2028 to the sum of £33,871 from the Health and Wellbeing reserve.