Agenda item

To receive a written report from the Executive Member for Housing and Adult Social Services, and to question the Executive Member thereon, provided any such questions are registered in accordance with the timescales and procedures set out in Standing Order 8(2)(a).

A written report was received from Cllr Sue Galloway, the Executive Member for Housing and Adult Social Services.

Notice had been received of nine questions on the report, submitted by Members in accordance with Standing Orders.

The guillotine having fallen at this point, Members agreed to receive written responses to these questions.  The questions and the written responses are set out below.

(i)         From Councillor Morley

“Would the Executive Member say what factors have led to the improvement in letting times for empty Council homes?”

            Reply

“There has been a significant improvement in the void turn around times for empty homes.  In 2006/07 the void period averaged 3.55 weeks and in 2007/08 this was 2.77 weeks.  This is well below the 3 week target and is at its lowest level this century.  One of the main factors has been the “Golden Goodbye” incentive scheme encouraging people to leave their homes in relettable condition.  On average there is a 1 week difference between those homes relet following the award and those that did not qualify.”

(ii)        From Councillor Ayre

“Would the Executive Member outline progress on the choice based lettings scheme?”

            Reply

“There have been 124 choice based lettings on hard to let properties since the scheme started.  I am pleased to say that York and North Yorkshire sub region have successfully bid to CLG for funding to consider the implementation of sub regional choice based lettings.”

(iii)       From Cllr Orrell

“Would the Executive Member outline in more detail some of the findings of the survey on the Long Term Commissioning Strategy for Services for Older People?”

            Reply

This survey of older people attracted a very good response rate and in addition to a postal survey, we conducted stakeholder events and four focus groups.

There was support for the provision of low level preventative services to enable people to remain healthy and in control.  One of the key messages was the provision of a handyperson service and I am pleased to be able to tell you that, with the help of  the Supporting People programme, this is one of the first areas to be addressed.  More information on this service will be available shortly.

In addition we are working with the PCT on a menu of preventative services, including community based befriending and support services.

There was also strong support for specialist residential care to be increased – especially for those suffering from dementia.

Whilst most people wanted to remain in their own homes, there was a feeling that smaller and more manageable homes should be built.  Some homeowners expressed a wish to downsize but said that the cost of a smaller home was often more than their current home was worth and that there was no incentive to move.  Hence I think it is now necessary for us to start looking ad how we might assist those homeowners – both council and owner occupiers – who wish to downsize to release family accommodation.

Although Telecare had been slow to take off in York, it was interesting that over 50% of respondents wanted the Council to make more use of this.  The £225k that is in the budget will therefore enable us to meet those demands and I am pleased to say that over 250 vulnerable residents have already benefited from having bogus caller alarms fitted.”

(iv)       From Cllr Aspden

“Would the Executive Member give more detail on the Golden Triangle partnership scheme?”

            Reply

“The one which is probably the most important at the moment is the proposed scheme to prevent homelessness and support home ownership and sustainability.  The proposed scheme will provide an equity loan to eligible households who are unable to meet their mortgage payments.

There are three options under consideration.

One is  to pay off a household’s arrears and the loan would be added as a charge on the property to be paid back on sale of the property.  There would also be the option to pay back the loan earlier if the family circumstances changed whilst still in the property.

The second option is to pay off the household’s arrears and provide an equity loan.  The advantage here would be that the loan would be used to bring back the household’s mortgage payments to a level which they can meet.  Again there would be a charge on the property which would be paid on sale.

The third option is to pay off a household’s arrears to enable a sale to go ahead – again the loan would be repaid on sale of the property.”

(v)               From Cllr Simpson-Laing

“Will the Executive Member, when discussing issues regarding the PCT, the Hospital Trust and those who work for and within all areas of the Health Services, ensure that she recognises the work done not just today but over the last 60 years since the setting up of the NHS?”

            Reply

“Indeed, and before that the vision of Lloyd George when he introduced the National Insurance Act in 1911.

However, I have to say that when I met David Nicholson, the Chief Executive of the NHS on his recent visit to York, we did not dwell on the history of the NHS but rather had a constructive dialogue about the future shape of services.”

(vi)             From Cllr Simpson-Laing

“In relation to 'Tenancy Services' and the issue of enforcement, can the Ex Member for Housing and Adult Social Services explain what she views as an acceptable period of time for action to be taken to clear gardens when they have been reported as having excessive build ups of food waste refuge bags and items that could be a fire danger?”

            Reply

“I assume that it is “refuse bags” to which the councillor refers.  If there is a proven health hazard at a Council tenancy then I would expect that housing officers – working with other agencies such as Environmental Protection and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue – would take action to rectify the problem.”

(vii)           From Cllr Bowgett

“Can theExecutive Member with regard to Homelessness inform Council on a proposed occupation date for the new Peasholme Centre?”

            Reply

“Spring 2009 as indicated at the HASS EMAP held on 2 June 2008.”

(viii)         From Cllr Horton

“With regard to 'Strategy and Enabling' will the Executive Member ensure Council that she will send a submission to the 'Local Development Framework Working Group' confirming her support for the Council's Affordable Housing Policy as a means to provide much needed homes for those on the Councils Housing Waiting List?”

            Reply

“Like most Members of Council I supported the affordable housing policy when it was placed before Council.  It is for the working group to consider all representations made.  I would be interested in seeing refinements to the affordable housing policy if it could be demonstrated that additional housing units could be made available for those in need over and above what is being achieved under present arrangements.”

(ix)             From Cllr Horton

“With regard to boiler replacements, can the Executive Member give details on the energy efficiency ratings of the Council's housing stock gas boilers, explain why such a large number were replaced reactively and the relative unit costs of this compared to planned replacements?”

            Reply

“Three questions in one!

I would refer the member to the answer given to his colleague Cllr Merrett on the same topic at the Council meeting on 29 November 2007.”