Issue - meetings

This reports asks the Executive Member to note the review of the private sector housing strategy and to approve the contents of the new strategy that will cover the period between 2008 and 2013.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to endorse the Private Sector Housing  Strategy and recommend it to the Executive for approval.

Decision of the Executive Member

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

REASON:      To ensure that the housing in York continues to be maintained and managed to a high standard

Members considered a report, which asked them to note the review of the Private Sector Housing Strategy and sought approval for the contents of a new Strategy, covering the period between 2008 and 2013.  The Strategy set out how the Council and its partners would work to help improve and maintain the condition and management of owner occupied and privately rented homes in York.

Officers informed Members that conditions of properties had improved though there were difficulties with early pre-1919 properties. General improvements had been made as well as improvements in energy efficiency, but that there was still work to be done. Officers informed Members that a Private Stock Conditions Survey had been completed, the executive summary was attached as an appendix to this report and that the full report would be on line shortly.

In response to Members questions, Officers confirmed that a physical survey by the surveyor had been undertaken and that there had been 1721 responses. Officers confirmed that the consultation exercise had included landlords who had attended the landlord conference in March, and who had indicated that they wished to participate in a consultation exercise, and letting agents in the city. Officers also agreed to inform Members the exact tolerance levels for the statistics but did confirm that they had been collected in accordance with government guidelines² and Officers agreed to provide the electronic link for Members to the full survey report.³

In response to Members questions about the issue of Cert funding and working with utility companies, Officers stated that the Private Sector Stock Condition Survey had confirmed that York generally has high-energy efficiency and fewer people in receipt of benefits making York a less attractive area for the utilities companies to work with on this issue.

On the question of energy efficiency grants, publicity and take-up raised by Members, Officers reported that they were on target to exceed last year’s outturn of 170 grants. Another grant was also available to landlords, which pays up to 50% of the total cost with a maximum grant of £4000.  Officers informed Members that they were working with Energy Advice Centres, Primary Care Trusts and benefits advice agencies, as well as running general advertising campaigns with targeting of areas where this information is most needed, particularly where there is a concentration of elderly people on fixed incomes.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to endorse the Private Sector Housing Strategy and recommend it to the Executive for approval.¹

Decision of the Executive Member

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

REASON:      To ensure that the housing in York continues to be maintained and managed to a high standard