The Area Manager for Braunstone will deliver a presentation.
Minutes:
In a change from the published agenda, it was noted that the presentation being given to the Commission would be for the Saffron, Eyres Monsell, Aylestone & Knighton wards.
Ian Stapleton, Area Manager for the above wards gave the presentation. It was a detailed presentation which covered the following matters:
- Details about the area, such as size and population.
- The tenure and housing stock in the area.
- Key achievements for 2014/15, in particular the completed Saffron Fairway depot scheme.
- Details of the area capital programme and local environmental works were provided.
- Age profiles and household types.
- Voids / empty homes / excess bedrooms.
- Socio economic profiles.
- Priorities for the future.
Members asked a range of questions in relation to the presentation as follows:
Queries were raised about the achievements in relation to the reduction in outstanding responsive repairs. Ian replied that there were a number reasons for this improvement including, dealing with the longest outstanding cases, avoiding duplicates, closer working with craft operatives and avoiding issues which slowed them down such as stock availability, clarity over what tasks would be undertaken and generally better planning of cases. It was also noted that as things improved this had enthused staff to make further reductions in outstanding cases.
In relation to a further question, it was noted that an officer from the Leicester Anti-Social Behaviour Unit would be based at the housing office for 3 days a week.
In relation to a query about timings for length of jobs per category, it was noted that the oldest job request was from 13th July and there were 10 requests from prior to 10th August. The reasons for the delay in those 10 would be explored, but there were often specific reasons for delays, such as a job in a listed building that required specialist materials.
With regard to a question about fire inspections it was explained that they were carried out monthly (or weekly in certain circumstances) due to the rules prescribed by various authorities (ie the Fire Service). Due to the regular inspections, it was noted that tenants were now more likely to comply with the rules, therefore they were taking less time.
It was confirmed that there wasn’t a Tenants and Residents Association for the area, but residents did sit on the city wide Tenants and Resident’s Forum.
Ian agreed that it may have been useful to include details of ward meeting funding for the area in the presentation. It was requested that this be included in future presentations.
Further points were raised regarding fire inspections, as it was noted that some residents felt that there were some unnecessary rules. Ian commented that the Council took a zero tolerance approach, because there was a potential for even a doormat to be a trip hazard or impedance should a fire take place. He felt this approach had worked and issues with regard to mobility scooters and cycle parking were being addressed in other ways.
The issue of parking was raised, noting that good successes were achieved in the area, but significant problems were faced elsewhere. Ian agreed that there had been problems, but these were being dealt with on a city wide basis and had led to overall improvements which made the city a better place to live.
A further query was raised about whether the Swift nesting boxes had been successful in attracting returning birds. Ian undertook to find out.
RESOLVED:
That the presentation was welcomed as it was useful to see improvements in one area and these could possibly be extended to other areas.