Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Deputy John Tomlinson and Deputy Henry Jones. 

There were no declarations.

To approve the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting on 3^rd July 2017.

RESOLVED – That the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 3^rd July 2017 be approved as a correct record.

Matters arising:

·       A dashboard covering applications will be included in the Sub Committee’s bi-annual report

·       Fire doors would be covered under item 9 on today’s agenda

·       Frequency of meetings would be covered at the November Meeting, when the Sub Committee are asked to consider its terms of reference, for final approval by the Grand Committee and the Annual Court of Common Council in 2018.

·       The Risk Register would be presented to the November Meeting, when Members will be invited to consider how often they would like to receive the report.

A report of the Director of Community and Children's Services.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s services which provided an update on the Mais House Decant Programme.  Members noted that 1 resident had been re-housed and a further would be next week, leaving a balance of 12 residents. 

Members noted that the Merchant Taylors had offered assistance and that the Sheltered Housing Manager was also a member of the Almshouses Association Group which provided networking opportunities and raised awareness. The Girdlers had also offered assistance.  The Assistant Director reminded Members of the Outline Housing Programme, previously presented to the Housing Management and Almshouses Sub Committee, which sought to provide 700 units.  The Assistant Director offered Members a delivery update at the next meeting.  Members noted that all new homes in London must be of ‘lifetime standard’ and particularly the City of London Corporation’s aspiration to provide lifetime homes for older residents.

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.

A report of the Director of Community and Children's Services.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s services which provided an update on the City of London Almshouses.  Members noted that pre-planning permission was awaiting from Lambeth Council for the windows and the contract of works could then go to tender.   The drainage works would start in the next few weeks. The Chairman and Deputy Chairman had asked for estate updates to future meetings.  The Assistant Director offered a presentation to the next meeting on the major works programme, similar to the regular updates provided at the Projects Sub Committee and this would then become a standing agenda item. 

Members noted the date for this year’s Christmas Hamper delivery of 1^st December 2012 and the Town Clerk would firm up details and book transport in due course. 

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.

A report of the Director of Community and Children's Services.

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s services in respect of the Customer Service Standards Review and noted that this was a re-launch of the Customer Care Standard, in order to ensure it was fully understood by all customers.  Members noted the very strong performance in processing complaints and the other standards would be enforced with extra training for all front-line staff and working with managers on appraisals and performance management. 

RESOLVED, that – the implementation of the new Customer Service Standards be approved.

A report of the Director of Community and Children's Services.

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s services in respect of the proposed City of London Corporation Housing Allocations Scheme 2017.  Members had seen an earlier version of the report in May 2017 and noted that this later version followed consultation during the summer with partners and the public.  Officers agreed to investigate whether a private pensions would count as ‘savings’.  Finally, Members asked if key information could be more visible in the reports, rather than part of several appendices.

RESOLVED, that:

1.     The feedback received during the consultation and the suggested changes to the Allocations Scheme 2017 be reviewed and noted.

2.     The amended Allocations Scheme for 2017 be recommended for approval by the Community and Children’s Services Committee, subject to clarity about whether a private pension would count as savings.

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s services which provided an outline of a proposed new Housing Strategy.   Members were asked to consider whether the proposed areas of focus outlines were the right ones and to offer any initial feedback on the key questions posed within each area.  Members agreed that the outline was very good and had found the recent programme of estate visits very helpful.  Members were asked to provide general comments on the report to adam.johnstone@cityoflondon.gov.uk; for comments or queries on Housing Strategy and the City of London Corporation’s Housing Stock: paul.murtagh@cityoflondon.gov.uk.

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.

A report of the Director of Community and Children's Services.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s services which provided an update on fire safety matters since the paper presented by officers to the July Meeting.

RESOLVED, that – the report and comments as set out above be noted.

A report of the Director of Community and Children's Services.

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s services in respect of the outcome of the refurbishment works to door entry systems at the Golden Lane (partial), Holloway and York Way Estates.

RESOLVED, that – the lessons learnt be noted and the project be closed.

A report of the Director of Community and Children's Services.

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s services in respect of the Decent Homes works to properties previously omitted from progammes (callbacks 2013-17).

RESOLVED, that – the lessons learnt be noted and the project be closed.

There were no questions.

There was no other business.

MOTION - That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED – That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

Item                                                                                         Paragraph

xx                                                                                                       x

To approve the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd July 2017.

RESOLVED – That the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd July 2017  be approved

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s services in respect of the City of London Almshouses (1005857) and were asked to consider whether the continues provision of Housing Management Services by the City, in its local authority  capacity to the Charity were in the Charity’s best interests. 

RESOLVED, that.

A report of the Director of Community and Children's Services.

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s services in respect of a recent incident at a City of London Corporation Almshouse, incited by and Almshouse resident.  The report asked Members to consider a number of proposals relating to the resident involved in the assault. 

RESOLVED, that.

A report of the Director of Community and Children's Services.

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s services in respect of the William Blake House CCTV Installation. 

RESOLVED, that:

The contents of the Privacy Impact Assessment be approved.

Authority be given to appoint Oakray Ltd to carry out the installation of CCTV at William Blake Estate at a cost of £11,695 and approved staff and consultant fees of £1,486.88 and £6,930 respectively.

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Sub Committee reveived a report of the Director of Community and Children’s services which provided an update on Welfare Benefits and Financial Inclusion.

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.

There were no non-public questions.

There was no other business.