| 34 | With the consent of the Committee, the Chairman brought forward this report on the agenda.
The Committee received a report on the performance of the Housing Associations (Registered Providers) that provide affordable housing in the Borough. The report provided particular information regarding performance of Raven Housing Trust (the largest provider in the borough), nominations process, development of affordable housing and current issues for registered providers.
The Committee welcomed Jonathan Higgs, Chief Executive of Raven Housing Trust, to the meeting. Mr Higgs gave a presentation on the Trust's activities during 2012 which referred to:
• Rent and lettings performance: It was noted that rent arrears was estimated to be 2.6% for the year, a slight increase compared to 2012/13. Properties were re-let, on average, within 14 days and satisfaction with the process was very high;
• Anti-social behaviour: Raven Housing Trust was managing an average of 80 live cases at any one time. It was confirmed that there was good partnership working with the Council, Surrey police and other partners;
• Welfare reform: The impact of reforms had not been as great as initially feared, but this had been a result of considerable work by both Raven Housing Trust and the Council to inform residents that were affected.
• Impact of Universal Credit: It was noted that the introduction of Universal Credit had been delayed, but was likely to have a significant impact on Raven Housing Trust. This may draw resources away from other areas;
• Support for residents: Raven Housing Trust had a range of support to help residents with rent and financial / debt advice. Support was also provided to help residents into employment, education and training. It was also suggested that there may be further opportunity to work in partnership with the CAB;
• Energy efficiency: Investment had been made in various schemes, particularly aimed at reducing fuel poverty; and
• New homes: It was noted that Raven Housing Trust planned to complete approximately 30 new homes in 2014/15, however, this was the same as the number of properties sold through the Right to Buy. There were plans for approximately 850 new homes over the next 5 years (across 50 - 200 plots), with the majority delivered within Reigate & Banstead.
It was noted that Raven Housing Trust published its performance information on their website each month.
The Committee welcomed the presentation, with questions and comments made regarding the:
• process for evictions and whether this varied for different tenants (e.g. children). It was noted that every effort was made to avoid evictions;
• increase in the number of complaints between 2011/12 and 2012/13. It was noted that there was no apparent reason for this increase, although there had been a greater number of complaints regarding anti social behaviour;
• proportion of tenants receiving benefits, which was around 60%, although it was increasing among new lettings;
• level of rent, compared to market housing. Affordable rental levels were set at 65% of the market rate. It was noted that private landlords were becoming less willing to let to residents receiving housing benefit, particularly due to the welfare reform;
• opportunities to encourage residents to use public transport or cycling. It was noted Raven Housing Trust were supporting the Travel Smart bike recycling scheme in Merstham;
• Food Bank established in Preston, which was established temporarily in December. Ward Members asked to be kept updated on the project.
Councillor J.M. Ellacott, Executive Member with responsibility for Housing, highlighted the strong partnership between Raven Housing Trust and the Council. He noted that there were benefits to the household through Right to Buy, and highlighted the limitations in building affordable housing. The Council had amended the Housing Policies to ensure allocations were made to those most in need.
The Chairman thanked Jonathan Higgs for attending and responding to Member questions on the activities of the Trust during 2013.
(Councillor C.T.H. Whinney left the meeting during the above item) |
| 35 | The Chairman welcomed Councillor R. Newstead, Executive Member for Economy & Jobs, to the meeting to provide an update on the Council's performance.
Councillor Newstead thanked the Committee for inviting him to speak about the Council's work to support the local economy and businesses. The Committee received a presentation which referred to:
• Key elements of the local economy, including business size and type, occupational levels, employment workflow;
• The Corporate priorities and action plan to support economic development, which was approved in 2012, with a summary of the achievements to date and success indicators. Improvements had been made to the level of young people not in employment, education or training, unemployment, VAT registrations, vacancy levels, and business perception of the Council;
• Activities within the economic development plan that had not been taken forward for a variety of reasons, where the Council's investment was considered unlikely to have sufficient impact;
• The Council's business micro grants scheme, which offered small amounts to help business with their growth plans. 29 applications had been received to date during 2013/14, with 24 applications approved and a total of £23,000 awarded. Feedback from successful applicants had been very positive, with signs of ongoing growth;
• Support for business network events, including ‘learning lunches'. Relationships with business networks, forums and other group had improved since the development of the Council's economic development action plan;
• Support for the retail sector and high street, including the use of the Government High Street Innovation Fund;
• Entrepreneur academy and ‘dragons den' programme;
• Creation of incubator business space for start up businesses. Two local organisations had agreed to provide desk space at low/no rent for start up businesses;
• Contributing to the work of the Gatwick Diamond initiative and the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership. Considerable government funding was due to be spent through the LEPs, and the Council was working with other local authorities to promote investment in the Gatwick Diamond;
• Plans for continuing and improving the Council's support for local businesses and economic development. It was noted that to make a significant impact on the borough's prosperity, the Council would need to support growth among medium and large businesses.
The Committee welcomed the presentation, with questions and comments made regarding:
• The Council's image and reputation beyond the Borough, including marketing opportunities to encourage businesses to move into Reigate & Banstead. It was recognised that there were opportunities to increase this area of work and promote the borough;
• Regeneration and economic development activity in Horley, including the research activity being funded through the High Street Innovation Fund to identify options for encouraging greater footfall. It was noted that competition from other areas made it very difficult to attract investment to Horley;
• The need to balance economic development with maintaining the attractive qualities of the borough. It was noted that the draft Core Strategy did not include plans for substantial growth in areas of employment land;
• The Council's approach to focus economic growth on existing town centres;
• Potential to offer dedicated, modern incubator spaces for new businesses;
• Opportunities to shape development in Banstead, particularly at the Horseshoe;
• A request was made for further breakdowns of employment by size of organisation;
• The need to consider economic development and impact on businesses when developing the Council's parking policy.
(Councillor J.M. Ellacott left the meeting during the above item) |