Agenda item

With reference to article 14 of the minute of its previous meeting, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which set out key performance measures and progress of key improvement work within the Service.

The Committee heard from the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure who highlighted key pieces of work and success within the Service since the last meeting.

Members then asked a number of questions of officers in relation to various aspects of the report.

In relation to arrears action, Members were pleased to note the decrease in second warning letters but questioned whether the increase in repossessions was having an effect on other services, particularly the homelessness service.  Officers advised that this was closely monitored, but that there was no significant effect and that officers did everything they could to try to ensure that people were helped to remain in their properties.  It was noted that the introduction of universal credit would have an impact in future, but that officers were undertaking positive work with the Department of Work and Pensions.  The Committee would receive updates on this work through the performance report.

Members asked questions around the voids performance.  Officers noted that this would be discussed later on the agenda but advised that even one long-term let could often affect the statistics.  It was advised that the proposed new parallel tracking method of reporting voids would allow the Committee to more clearly see that interventions were working.

In relation to new tenant visits, Members queried what action was being taken to address the performance in this area, and officers advised that four new members of staff had been appointed to work on a shift basis, and that this should help to improve performance.  It was noted that early contact helped and recent early intervention had assisted in reducing arrears.

In relation to the year to date percentage of homeless decision notifications issued to homeless applicants within 28 days of presentation, officers advised that work was ongoing to clear historic cases and that future reports should therefore see improved performance in this area.

Members congratulated staff on the recent opening of Victoria House, as well as the good performance in relation to indicator 28 (the percentage of all cases closed in the month where the Council had offered or secured permanent accommodation to those applicants it had a duty to re-house).

In relation to the indicators for Street Scene and the high levels of detritus and staining, officers advised that as the figures were from March 2015, the performance was affected by the build up of staining from the winter period.  The Committee heard that cleaning was ongoing and so there should be an improvement in the figures in future reports.  Officers were considering the use of new types of equipment, and also advised Members that parking could make it difficult for staff to access areas which required to be cleaned.

The report recommended:-

that Committee –

provide comments and observations on both the performance information contained in the report and also on the format and layout of the report.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)        in relation to the update on the Aberdeen Emission Strategy, to request that officers provide Councillor Allan with further information on when the survey feedback was expected;

(ii)       to note that updates on the meetings and work being undertaken with the Department of Work and Pensions in relation to Universal Credit would be provided as part of the performance report in future;

(iii)      to congratulate staff for the work undertaken in relation to the recent opening of Victoria House and also for the good performance in respect of indicator 28 (Provision of permanent accommodation to all applicants found to be unintentionally homeless);  and

(iv)      to otherwise note the performance report.