Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Spikings.

To confirm as a correct record the notes from the previous meeting.

The notes from the previous meeting held on 5^th February 2025 were agreed as a correct record.

If any.

There were no matters arising.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of an interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declared, the Member should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

These declarations apply to all Members present, whether the Member is part of the meeting, attending to speak as a local Member of an item or simply observing the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider any business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chair proposes to accept as urgent under Section 100(b)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There was no urgent business.

Members wishing to speak pursuant to Standing Order 34 should inform the Chair of their intention to do so and on what items they wish to be heard before a decision on that item is taken.

Councillor Fry was present under Standing Order 34 on Teams.

If any.

There was none.

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The Housing Strategy Delivery Officer presented the item.

The Chair invited question and comments from the Task Group.

The Chair, Councillor Sandell asked if seven people rough sleeping was just in King’s Lynn or the whole Borough.

The Housing Needs Manager confirmed this was within the whole Borough and explained the difficulties with identifying and helping people rough sleeping in rural areas.

In response to a question from Councillor Kemp, the Housing Needs Manager explained the role of the outreach team and encouraged people to use the Streetlink service which could be found on the council’s website to report rough sleepers.

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The Senior Housing Manager presented the item.

The Chair invited question and comments from the Task Group.

Councillor Kemp sought assurance that Care Leavers were prioritised under the social housing allocations policy.

The Housing Needs Manager explained the changes in legislation allowed all Care Leavers to approach any local authority. He advised the Task Group, the Council’s policy was that certain care leavers are allocated a High Band, and a Housing Options Officer was allocated to assist with moving on.

Councillor Radcliffe referred to the Castle in Downham Market which was a good quality development and commented she hoped this was an incentive to maintain the quality of housing and encouraged residents to move on.

The Senior Housing Manager thanked Members and local residents for their contribution and highlighted key partnerships with the Borough Council, the Purfleet Trust and the private sector.

In response to a question from Councillor Collop on the development on Reid Way, the Housing Services Manager explained there was financial challenges as the scheme did not fit for grant funding. She confirmed Broadland Housing Association would deliver the scheme but was unable to confirm the date of delivery.

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The Senior Housing Manager presented the item.

The Chair invited questions and comments from the Task Group.

In response to Chair, Councillor Sandell, the Senior Housing Manager explained, Almhouses were excluded from the forthcoming Private Rented Sector policy. He explained that some principles of good landlord/tenant practice were shared however there were different laws relating to ending tenancies.

The Chair, Councillor Sandell questioned if further communications and information pack could be cascaded to Members to make them more knowledgeable and in the best position to help residents.

The Senior Housing Manager explained user friendly guidance was being developed for Members and customers along with developing a Homelessness Champion function.

Councillor Radcliffe echoed the comments for further information needed for Members. 

Councillor Rust highlighted all the work the housing team carried out and commented Members were not aware of the extent of the work.

The date of the next meeting is to be arranged when required.

The date of the next meeting was to be scheduled in due course.