Agenda item

Members considered the Housing Renewal and Adaptation Service Report Card.

Officers reminded Members that the Adaptation Service is funded from the councils General Capital fund which provides Disabled Facility Grants and Rapid Adaptation Grants. Regeneration works are funded from a wide range of public sector grants.

A query was raised on whether the Housing Renewal Improvement area was going to be extended. Members were advised that the actual boundary area cannot be changed but the timings can if the required funding is available.

Members asked whether the waiting list of four to five months for a formal Occupational Therapist assessment would reduce now that there was an in house Occupational Therapist. Members were advised that the delay was due to instances of long term sickness absence. Two staff members had returned to work and the vacant position was in the process of being filled. This will result in a reduction in waiting times. Officers continued that individuals who were in hospital were assessed as a matter of priority in an effort to ensure they did not remain in hospital longer than required.

Members asked whether used equipment was removed from properties when they are no longer required. Officers stated that they do not because it costs more to remove equipment and cleanse them for re-use than buying them brand new.

Members asked what the contract with Swansea Council worth was and it was confirmed that it was worth circa £40k.

Members made one request that in the future the bar charts included in the report card are made clearer.

Following scrutiny the report was noted.