Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ted Clarke.

Members are reminded that they must declare their disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable or non-registrable interests in any matter being considered at the meeting as set out in Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct and consider if they should leave the room prior to the item being considered. Further advice can be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

With reference to agenda item 6, Councillor Lea declared that his brother was the owner of a social housing company in Shropshire.

With reference to agenda item 6, Councillor Viv Parry declared that her daughter was part owner of a Connexus property.

To consider the Minutes of the Communities Overview Committee held on 23^rd November 2022.  Minutes to Follow

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 November 2022 be approved and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any public questions or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.  The deadline for this meeting is 5.00 p.m. on Thursday, 19^th January 2023.

None received.

To receive any questions of which members of the Council have given notice.  Deadline for notification for this meeting is 5.00 p.m. on Thursday, 19^th January 2023.

None received.

To consider the attached report from Jane Trethewey, Assistant Director Homes and Communities and Laura Fisher, Head of Service – Housing, Resettlement and Independent Living.

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting:

·         Laura Fisher, Head of Housing, Resettlement and Independent Living, Shropshire Council

·         Melanie Holland, Strategy and Development Manager, Shropshire Council (remote attendee)

·         Jane Trethewey, Assistant Director Homes and Communities, Shropshire Council

·         Sue Allen, Bromford Housing (remote attendee)

·         Richard Woolley, Chief Executive of Connexus

·         Wayne Gethings – Chief Executive of Wrekin Housing

·         Sarah Boden – Housing Plus Group

·         John Green – Chief Executive of Shropshire Rural Housing

·         Councillor Dean Carroll – Portfolio Holder for Growth, Regeneration and Housing

Jane Trethewey, Assistant Director Homes and Communities introduced the report which provided an overview of the social housing market in Shropshire in terms of supply, need and demand.  The report highlighted current policy, and associated challenges, relating to social housing management and investment in existing and new social homes.  The topic of social housing would be reviewed over three meetings of the Committee.

During the debate it was proposed that Cabinet be asked to look at affordability requirements in planning and that the Council invest in delivery of social housing. However upon being put to the vote, this proposition was not carried. 

The implications of small rises in Interest Rates was outlined and the retro fit of homes to meet Energy Efficiency (EPC) Standards and the difficulties faced in this area. An example was that some of the retrofit works were very invasive and people generally were used to what they knew and disliked change, even though the majority of Shropshire’s housing stock was over forty years old. 

In response to a question relating to Homes England, The Strategy and Development Manager explained that she had recently attended an event and it was clear that Homes England were aware of the need for grant funding to invest in improving homes to meet energy efficiency standards.  Councillors could help by being aware of the balance between land supply and affordability but also by taking the message back to their local communities that affordable housing was not a bad thing, as it is meeting the needs of the the local population.

The Scrutiny Officer provided a round up of the discussions and a plan for scoping the topic, reviewing the subject area, gaining context and formulating recommendations over the course of three meetings. Communication with Town and Parish Councils and local communities was an emerging theme from the discussions.  Understanding need and demand now and in the future was vital and balancing that against cost.  The Committee were urged to reflect on discussions from the meeting and contact the Scrutiny Officer if they thought of any issues they would like to cover. 

The Chairman thanked officers and housing service providers for their attendance and welcomed their involvement throughout the process.

RESOLVED:

That the contents of the report and the feedback given be noted.

To consider Work Programme for the Committee, report to follow.

The Scrutiny Officer presented his report which outlined the Communities Overview Committee’s proposed work programme for the 2022-2023 municipal year.

RESOLVED:

That the proposed committee work programme attached as appendix 1 be approved.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on 22^nd March 2023 at 1.30 p.m.

It was noted that the next meeting would take place on Wednesday, 22^nd March 2023.