Issue - meetings

A local Housing Officer will provide an update on housing issues in the Ward.

Ian Craig, Service Manager for repairs and maintenance provided the following information:

·         Voids (empty properties) figures included Saffron, and there were currently 25 empty properties. On average it took 58 days to get a void property back into use.

·         Residents asked if there was a policy on age for bungalows, as a lot of them were being let to young people, some of whom had problems that were spoiling the quality of life for older people and causing angst in each complex. The meeting was informed that over the years there had been different policies, and that by listening to residents and through elected members the policy could be changed. Councillor Pantling noted there had been a policy change, but an age limit needed to be put on it citywide. It had been noticed that Eyres Monsell had a big problem, and that Councillors had been talking to social care to ensure care packages were in place and were meeting with various agencies to have a more joined up approach to caring for people in the community with problems, for example, mental health.

·         It was stated that from a council perspective, anti-social behaviour (ASB) was not acceptable, and it was important that issues were reported to enable the Housing Department to take action. Councillors were concerned about ASB on the estate connected to housing, and were trying to organise a meeting with police, housing and the Crime Reduction and Anti-Social Behaviour Unit (CRASBu).

·         Right-to-Buy had had an effect on housing stock, and the council was bidding for money to buy properties back.

·         If people were adequately housed, they would not be able to move to another empty property, as people on the waiting list had priority.

·         If there were any specific repairs residents required, they were advised to speak to the officer following the meeting.

A local Housing Officer will provide an update on housing issues in the Ward.