Issue - meetings

This report advises the Executive Member of progress against the service plan targets for housing and adult social services and the projected financial outturns for 2008/9 based on half year results.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to note the content of the report and the comments made by Members thereon.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:      So that the Executive Member is briefed on the projected performance and financial outturns for Housing and Adult Social Services.

Members considered a report that advised them of the progress made against the service plan targets for Housing and Adult Social Services and the projected financial outturns for 2008/9 based on the half-year results.

The Director of Housing and Adult Social Services highlighted the main aspects of the report and the various annexes to Members. On the question of homelessness, he stated that there had been a reduction in the number of families in temporary accommodation, yet there was still much to be done. He stated that a report on letting policy was due in the New Year.  With regard to the lack of credit, a lot of work had been done in relation to public investment, mortgage rescue and stimulating the market. With regard to people with disabilities, York was already a leading authority and York was pushing to become an accessible city.  The number of people making direct payments had risen. An area of concern was how quickly new referrals could be dealt with.  The target was 28 days and much effort is taking place in this area. On the financial side, an underspend was predicted in the overall departmental General Fund position.

In response, Members commented that a lot of good work had been done in terms of providing the target number of affordable homes for 08/09, despite the credit crunch.

In response to questions raised by Members, Officers responded that the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) figures had been broken down by area, tenancy type and by major works.

It was noted that the six Changing Places – Acomb Library, Willow House, Burtonstone Lane, Silver Street, Civic Centre and the Danesgate Centre – were all purpose facilities that would be used by people with disabilities and that could facilitate very good access throughout the city when all six become available. Other options would continue to be pursued on new developments and with retailers.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to note the content of the report and the comments by Members thereon.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:      So that the Executive Member is briefed on the projected performance and financial outturns for Housing and Adult Social Services.