Agenda item - Minutes of the previous meeting

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2016 (copy attached).

64.1    Councillor Atkinson asked for paragraph 56.3 to be changed to read ‘Councillor Atkinson was concerned that under the pay to stay proposals people will be possibly encouraged to buy their property.  Then if at a later date interest rates go up, it will be difficult for them to pay their mortgage.’

64.2    Councillor Mears referred to paragraph 49.1. She had received an email from an officer with information about the Oxford Street Housing Office but had not received a full briefing.  Councillor Mears had just received a second email from the officer to say he would have to get back to colleagues to see if there could be a full briefing.  Councillor Mears hoped that there could be a briefing on this important matter.  Her concern was the speed at which this office was closed down.  She wanted to know why this housing asset was closed, and details of the build up to the final closing down of the office.  

64.3    Councillor Mears referred to paragraph 61.4, concerning a debate on the overspend on the Mears contract.  She had requested an external audit at the committee and at Council in order to have openness and transparency.  She had also asked to see a copy of the report but had only received a summary.   Councillor Mears had heard a number of rumours circulating which needed clarification.  For example, she had heard that when the capital programme came under budget, there is a bonus for a contractor.  There were issues around the new gas contract and whether Mears were proposing to buy out the company.  Councillor Mears had also heard that Mears were filling in forms for gas checks without visiting properties.  Councillor Mears understood that this was being investigated.  She requested that officers carried out investigations with Mears to find out exactly what was happening.

64.4    The Chair informed Councillor Mears that she could receive more information about Oxford Street but it might take time to gather all the necessary information.  The Chair had not heard about the contractor bonus.  She would investigate this matter with officers.  The new gas contract was due to start in April.  Meanwhile, she would take up the issue of gas checks with officers. 

64.5    The Head of Housing informed Members that officers were currently working through issues with Mears.  Officers were also working with internal audit about the best steps to take to strengthen the partnership in the future, which included consideration of expert external advice. 

64.6    Councillor Mears stressed that she was asking for an external audit to ensure transparency. The Chair stated that the request for an external audit would be included in the above discussions.  In the meantime, the Chair would ensure robust checks were in place. 

64.7    Councillor Hill referred to paragraph 59.4.  She would like to see the number of HMO’s where conditions had been met.

64.8    RESOLVED - That the minutes of the Housing and New Homes  Committee held on 13 January 2016 be agreed and signed as a correct record subject to the amendment set out in paragraph 64.1 above.