Agenda item

Consideration was given to a report which sought to update Members on work to-date investigating the principle of establishing a Social Lettings Agency.

The paper was both welcomed but questioned.  Reference was made to the properties owned by the Authority in the South West Ward, and the level of investment which had been made, however the current condition was considered unacceptable.  The current arrangement was considered embarrassing.

Whilst the Ward Member was not against the principle and aspirations the likely outcomes were questioned.  It was suggested the Authority had actually added to the problem, moving in unacceptable tenants, tenants who had not previously lived in West Lindsey, and tenants who had exhausted all other housing options in other districts.  Tenants in these properties were subject of numerous complaints and these were properties the Authority was directly involved in.  It was also suggested the project should be wider than the South West Ward.

In response, Officers advised whilst the Council owned the properties the tenants referred to were not the Council’s tenants, and this was a matter that the Authority wanted to address with the revised approach.  The Authority had evidence that properties were being advertised widely.  The higher levels of local housing allowance and absent landlords was creating a transient population.  The aim of the project would be to bring the properties under a Social Landlord / Partner to address the issues which had been identified.

In response to concerns, Officers advised that market forces were really driving the issues.  Whilst ever there was an oversupply of that type of housing and whilst rents remained high due to higher levels of local housing allowance the area would continue to attract the type of person referred to.   The social infrastructure of the town could not cope.   The proposal was for the Council to take enter into some sort of Joint Venture, taking some ownership and real control.  Budgets were limited and therefore a focussed approach was considered the best option.  Evidence collection had therefore focussed in the South West Ward and Officers had gathered enough evidence to demonstrate the need.  The Partner would have experience of running tenancies for people with complex needs and the Council would be part owner of any stock.

The Authority was also making a bid to the Access Foundation which would assist in improving the Social Infrastructure in the town. 

Members were clear that West Lindsey properties needed to be for West Lindsey residents.  It was questioned whether the Authority could influence local housing allowances and get the rate reduced in Gainsborough.

In response to Members comments Officers urged due to limited budgets, the scale of the issue etc that a focussed approach be taken in order to try and have an impact.  Market intervention was been undertaken in the North Ward but using other methods, creating Social Housing.  The Authority had also intervened in the market to enable the urban extensions to progress.

Officers urged Members to be realistic regarding the Authority’s capacity.  Evidence gathered suggested the tenancy support was something really lacking.  At this stage it was unclear whether the landlord and support services would be undertaken by the same Partner.

Officers undertook to arrange a Worksop for all Members in order that they thoroughly understand the analysis undertaken in support of any future decision.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)      the progress made in developing a viable housing solution (initially for Gainsborough South West Ward) that responds to the housing need of our vulnerable communities in line with Corporate Plan objectives, be supported;

(b)      the objectives (set out at 4.1 of the report) for the potential solution be endorsed; and

(c)        a report detailing the preferred option be submitted to the Committee no later than February 2020

Note:    Councillor Tom Regis declared a personal interest in the above agenda item as he was a landlord