Agenda item

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N Patton advised that the Action Plan had been updated and circulated, which included what actions had been completed, what actions were underway and what actions were yet to commence. 

She drew the Task Group’s attention to a couple of red areas which had not yet commenced.  This was the Action Plan, which was attached to the strategy when it was adopted in 2020.  It was a 4-year strategy and action plan.  Much of the action plan had been completed or was underway.  There would be an updated version of the new action plan looking forward in terms of the areas which needed to be focussed on for the next 12-24 months.

In terms of the current action plan and the actions yet to commence, N Patton provided an explanation in relation to:

·        Private Sector Leasing Scheme.  

·        Tenancy training. 

·        Young Persons Shared Accommodation Model. 

One the pressures which was being seen at the moment related to the significant number of families approaching the Council for assistance due to challenges around the private rented sector.  There were several issues which included a very buoyant housing market with landlords selling properties; lifestyle changes, new energy efficiency measures, and generally there was more demand for private rented properties.

Other key areas were around the Council’s responsibilities and duties with regards to the Domestic Abuse Bill and the Young Persons Service.

The Chair then invited questions from the Task Group.

Councillor Bambridge stated that several years ago, there was funding available to landlords so that properties could be taken over by RSL’s, and asked whether this was still in place?  In response, it was explained that there was not any funding or Government funding available, but it did tie in with the private sector leasing scheme, which was looking to be set up in West Norfolk.

In accordance with Standing Order 34, Councillor Rust addressed the Committee and asked what were the numbers of young people that the Council had not been able to help and how many would need to be helped in the future.

In response, N Patton explained that she did not know the exact numbers but could find out via the system.  But what was known was that there were a number of protocols that had been set up with providers and officers worked closely with Children’s Services as well, together with the work that was done with the Benjamin Foundation.  The Council also provided funding to a young person’s service.

Councillor Rust added that she was concerned that it did not appear that there was a knowledge of the level of support that the Council needed to provide and the number of young people that might not have been supported.

The Assistant Director added that the Council had commissioned services for young people and he acknowledged the difficulties they faced in terms of accessing housing.  He added that it was just information that could not be provided now without any advance notice.  He asked if Councillor Rust could put in an email exactly what information she required.

The Chair referred to the Action Plan, and the delivery date for 10 more units was Spring 2022 and asked if these were the units at Reid Way.  It was confirmed that it was the properties at Reid Way.   Action:  N Patton to provide an update from Broadland Housing Association.

Councillor Bower stated that the Planning Committee had recently approved planning permission for an HMO.