To consider the council’s progress against its strategic priorities for housing with a focus on scrutinising the delivery of new homes.

The Committee received a presentation that provided an overview of the Council’s activities to deliver housing priorities over the last 18 months and covered (i) housing projects delivered; (ii) work in progress; (iii) planned work including the key housing challenges; and (iv) an update on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The main points raised as a result of questioning maybe summarised as follows:

The Committee:

v  Was pleased to hear on the progress being made with house building and welcomed the volume of buyback on right to buy properties to house homeless households.

v  Noted The buyback scheme has benefits for both the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and the general fund. In terms of the former, the additional stock will help to sustain the HRA rental income whilst assisting in mitigating the financial pressure arising from the increased cost and requirements for temporary accommodation to house homeless households in the general fund.

v  Noted that many councillors have seen a deterioration in the quality of service being offered by most registered housing providers who are managing and maintaining existing homes, providing associated services within Tower Hamlets e.g. housing repairs and anti-social behaviour (ASB).

v  Was reminded that Tower Hamlets Housing Covenant had set out a commitment by the Borough, its ALMO Tower Hamlets Homes and registered providers with homes in the borough to work together to (i) provide quality value for money housing services; (ii) share a commitment to Tower Hamlets residents; and (iii) maximise the supply of affordable housing and housing options.

v  Noted that covenant signatories were required to 1 Listen to and respect residents’ views; 2 Respect diversity and provide inclusive services; 3 Operate transparently and openly; and work cooperatively with properly constituted and representative resident groups; 4. Respond to Members’ Enquiries and information requests within published timescales; 5. Ensure residents live in warm, safe, weathertight, and decent homes; 6. Remedy resident repair requests in an appropriate and timely manner; 7. Actively participate in tackling Anti-Social Behaviour; 8. Be members of the Common Housing Register; 9. Evidence value for money in service provision; 10. Share key performance data to identify and share best practice; 11. Maximise opportunities for residents to take-up work, training and apprenticeships; and 12. Identify opportunities for Right-to-Buy receipts generated in the Borough to be invested in new housing in Tower Hamlets.

v  Commented that it would be of use to be able to identify which of the partner housing associations in the Borough are delivering against the  twelve objectives.

v  Noted that there are number of ways that the Council can work with its partners e.g. the Borough therefore shares and promotes good practice.

v  Noted that some registered housing providers are very positive about  strong partnerships in the Borough and that they do not see that within all councils.  Although not every housing provider is engaging to the same level and there is a challenge there the Lead Member; the Mayor and other ward members have very challenging conversations with housing providers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7