Agenda item

This report provides details of the 2021-22 third quarter monitoring position for both finance and performance across Housing & Community Safety. The paper incorporates data to December 2021, which was reported to Executive on 7^th February 2022.

This report provided details of the 2021-22 third quarter monitoring position for both finance and performance across Housing & Community Safety. The paper incorporates data to December 2021, which was reported to Executive on 7 February 2022. The Head of Service Finance was in attendance to present the report and respond to questions.

Officers presented the main points of the report, and members began discussion of the item. Concerns were raised around the number of households with dependent children in temporary accommodation and officers stated that the numbers can fluctuate however there had been a general increase in recent months due to a trend in family breakdowns post-Covid, the reduction in Universal Credit and the cost of living crisis. Officers stated they would provide members with statistics on dependent children in temporary accommodation.

The increase in hate crimes was discussed by officers and members, who noted a steady annual increase in the statistic. Officers stated that hate crime data was monitored daily and the majority were isolated cases without patterns or links to others. Officers were working with Communities Team on a Hate Crime Action Plan which sought to increase public confidence in reporting. It was noted that the majority of incidents revolved around the night time economy, especially in fast food outlets and where alcohol was involved.

It was reported that training was ongoing to help staff to distinguish between hate crimes and incidents, however training with North Yorkshire County Council had been delayed during the Covid-19 pandemic due to the need for it to be held face to face. Officers committed to share the details of the Hate Crime Action Plan with members as soon as they were finalised.

Concerns were raised around the statistic showing that there had been no change in energy efficiency for York’s housing over the last year. Officers commented that increasing energy efficiency was a large challenge, however they also suggested that the decision made in 2020/21 to retrofit some council housing in the city was not yet reflected in the figures. It was also noted that work on the retrofit programme had made available £5 million in grant funding from HM Government. Officers referred to the ongoing work of the Zero Carbon Strategy and recognised the need to improve in all areas continually.

Members commented on opportunities in future to work with pension funds in decarbonising housing stock. Officers stated that this was ever more feasible with rising fuel costs a nd outlined that an improvement of the energy efficiency rating from D to C resulted in a £500 yearly saving for the average house.

On homeless families, officers noted that the council was committed to a joined-up approach across teams and organisations to for example prevent children needing to move schools. It was observed that rent arrears were rising markedly, and that many residents were facing a heat or eat question. Communications around fuel poverty from the Council included the regular tenant newsletter which provided residents with signposting and information on  the issue.

Resolved:

i.             That the financial and performance management position across Housing & Community Safety be noted.

Reason: To ensure expenditure is kept within the approved budget and performance is effectively scrutinised.