Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 16^th December, 2021 (previously circulated). 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 16^th December 2021 were signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There were no items of Urgent Business.

To receive declarations by Councillors of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Councillors are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Councillors should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Councillors are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

There were no Declarations of Interest.

Councillor Cary Matthews has been invited to attend the meeting to discuss her portfolio :

• Council Housing
• Homelessness
• Private Sector Housing
• Social Housing
• Caravan Sites
• Traveller Sites
• Refugee Housing
• Household Support and Resilience

The Chair welcomed Councillor Cary Matthews, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Housing and the Corporate Director of Communities and the Environment to the meeting.

The Committee was given a detailed overview of the Housing Portfolio which included:

·       Council Housing

·       Homelessness

·       Private Sector Housing

·       Social Housing

·       Caravan Sites

·       Traveller Sites

·       Refugee Housing

·       Household Support and Resilience

Members were advised that Cabinet had the previous evening approved the next phase of the regeneration of Mainway including the acquisition of Skerton High School. This included an initial accelerated first phase of the Masterplan proposals.

An update was provided on the redevelopment of the Mellishaw Caravan Park. An architect had been appointed and the planning application would be considered in March 2022.

With regard to homelessness it was reported that work continued to support the homeless within the district. There were 4 individuals who lived on the street by choice and had decided that they did not want to be re-homed. It was reported the Council was providing an extra 5 emergency beds and a further 12 bed scheme was being progressed with Government funding.

The Committee discussed the housing LATCO that had been established and the advantages and options it created for the Council.

Members went on to discuss rough sleepers and how they could be helped. It was noted there was an issue if the individual had a dog as most private landlords would not take in a pet. This was something that was being explored and it was suggested an update be provided on this later in the year.

A number of questions were raised relating to homelessness, Mainway, the Retrofit Officer, cladding and empty properties.

Resolved :-

(1)   That Councillor Cary Matthews and the Corporate Director of Communities and the Environment be thanked for their attendance at the meeting.

(2)   That an update be provided on the issue of homing rough sleepers who have pets later in the year.

Report of the Head of Democratic Services. 

The Committee considered the updated Work Programme.

A scoping document had been prepared for the Revitalising Key Centres Informal Task Group. It was agreed by the Committee to establish this Task Group with the information and terms of reference set out in the scoping document. 

Updates on the other Task Groups were provided within the report and a verbal update was given on the Property Portfolio Informal Task Group. It was noted that an Asset Management Strategy was currently being produced therefore it would be sensible to wait for the Strategy to be agreed before recommencing the Task Group’s work.

Resolved :-

(1)   That a Revitalising Key Centres Informal Task Group be established.

(2)   That the updates be noted.