Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Rooms A/B - Neath Civic Centre. View directions

Items
No. Item

1.

Declarations of interest from Members

Minutes:

The following Members declared an interest at the commencement of the meeting:

 

Cllr. S Pursey     the report of the Head of Property and Regeneration – Vibrant and Viable Places Progress Report as he sits on the Plaza group.

 

Cllr. S. K. Hunt    The report of the Head of Legal Services – Public Footpath – Community of Seven Sisters as he is the applicant.

2.

To receive the Minutes of the Regeneration and Sustainable Development Scrutiny Committee held on 23rd June 2017. pdf icon PDF 73 KB

Minutes:

The Committee noted the minutes.

3.

To receive the Scrutiny Forward Work Programme 2017/18. pdf icon PDF 70 KB

Minutes:

The Committee noted the work programme.

4.

Pre-Scrutiny

Minutes:

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

 

Cabinet Board Proposals

 

4.1 NPT Homes Progress Report – to May 2017

 

Members considered progress report that gave an overview of the progress made by NPT Homes in respect of the promises made to tenants in the Council’s Offer Document.

 

Members asked for clarity on the issue of anti social behaviour and the findings of the internal audit. Officers stated that a significant amount of work had been undertaken on anti social behaviour and this had been done in conjunction with the tenants. It was further clarified that lawyers are used where appropriate (e.g. for injunctions with the power of arrest). Members noted that the latest report stated that there has been an improvement and monitoring is undertaken by the board.

 

Members asked whether there was a risk associated with welfare reform.  It was noted that there was a risk but not great enough to affect the sustainability of the organisation. The risks were due to the Universal Credit now being paid directly to individuals as opposed directly to NPT Homes however, NPT Homes have undertaken a great deal of work educating tenants on the changes. It was further clarified that should a tenant hit 8 weeks of arrears then the Department of Work and Pensions will step in and pay the rent (by reducing the residual benefit payable to the tenant) and then make alternative arrangements paying the future rent direct to the landlord.

 

Following scrutiny the report was noted.

 

4.2 NPT Homes Adoption of Community Housing Cymru’s Model Rules for Wales

 

Members considered a report that gave information on NPT Homes’ intention to adopt the CHC’s Model Rules for Wales.

Officers asked Members to note that NPT Homes were adopting this in line with Welsh Government guidance.

 

Members raised concern in relation to the make up of the board and rules in relation to quorum. Officers stated that to improve the functionality of the Board they were now looking at skills of those applying for a position. Members also queried why the number of tenant members would be reduced from 4 to 3 and it was confirmed that this would not be an issue because there had been a vacancy for over a year which the NPT homes had not been able to fill.

 

Officers advised that the new Members of the Board had a wide range of skills and included former Chief Executives of different organisations.

 

Following scrutiny the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by the Cabinet Board.

 

4.3 Vibrant and Viable Places Progress Report

 

Members considered a report on the successful delivery of the Vibrant and Viable Places Regeneration Programme for Port Talbot.

 

Members asked whether the amount of areas used for housing was the best use of space. Officers advised that due to the guidelines for receiving funding that generally housing was the preferred option and with a shortage in the County Borough this was welcomed. It was further noted that in the instance of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.