Agenda item

A Member requested a report in July or September this year, outlining the advantages of  undertaking a voluntary transfer of the whole of the Council’s housing stock to a specially created housing association. Specifically, the Director was asked to consider Bedford Borough Council’s ‘Bedford Pilgrim’s Housing Association’ (BPHA) in terms of how the transfer effected in 1989-90 enabled BPHA to fund comprehensive modernisation programmes.

• The Director suggested that this matter be given further consideration by the new Housing Committee.   Members noted that more local authorities are now coming out of ALMOs than going into them, and HRAs are now allowed to borrow up to prudent levels, which wasn’t the case 30 years ago.
• Members noted that they would receive a report at the July Committee in respect of the 5-Year Plan and a 30-year forecast.  The Director suggested that Members should consider this report first and be mindful of  the reputational risk in moving  social housing to an ALMO without the Barbican Estate.
• Members noted that there had been an all-residents meeting since the last Committee, and the new Chair of Policy and Resources is keen to hold these meetings more frequently.

The Director was asked about action taken to recognise Carers Week; recognising the difficulties carers face and ensuring that they are visible, valued and supported by the City of London Corporation.  An event at the Guildhall was also requested, where unpaid carers can discuss issues and celebrate successes.

·             The Director  welcomed the opportunity to highlighting the valued role of unpaid carers and their needs.   The Director also set out the activities planned for carers’ week.

·             Members noted that Connexions had been commissioned to support unpaid carers, with regular zoom sessions led by the carers.  This Committee had also appointed a lead member for Carers at its last meeting.   Members would receive an information report in respect of the co-production work with carers in July, together with an update on the national survey of carers, and a new Strategy was expected in the New Year.  The Community and Children’s Services Committee had previously invited carers’ group representatives to address them and could do so again in the future.

·             The Director stressed that the Department does not have the resources to arrange a carers’ event at Guildhall and suggested that Members take this forward with the Events Team in Remembrancers.   Members noted that there used to be a ‘Carers’ lunch’ before the pandemic, and this was very well received, but it should not detract from the support that carers need in their day to day lives.   The co-production and new  strategy will cover what is possible and sustainable. Members noted that it is also in their gift to nominate carers for the ’Freedom of the City’ and if they have joint receptions, this encourages support and networking.

·             The new Lead Member for Carers had been meeting with groups of carers, who are aware of the current strategy and happy to be involved in the new one.    One observation is that they have to keep telling their story to various agencies, so a more joined up approach would be welcomed.   The Chairman thanked the new Lead Member for the amount of work she has been able to do since being appointed only a month ago.  

·             Members also noted the Volunteers Celebration event on Monday 18^th July  between 6 and 7 pm.

At 4.20 pm Members agreed to extend the meeting.