Agenda item

Members considered recommendations from the meetings of the Executive Committee held on Tuesday 4^th August and Tuesday 8^th September.

Amenity Standards Document for Privately Rented Properties in Redditch

Members discussed the report and in so doing commented that under the terms of the policy licences would be issued to landlords managing HMOs.  Those landlords would be expected to maintain at least minimum standards, as detailed in the document. There were 80 HMOs in Redditch, so this was a significant form of housing for people in the private rented sector in the Borough.  In the updated policy the definition of some key areas, such as the minimum bedroom size, had been clarified and many elements had been updated in line with best practice, including the fire safety standards.

During consideration of this item reference was made to changes to housing benefits and the impact that this could have on demand for accommodation in HMOs.  Concerns were raised that HMOs housing five or fewer residents would not require a licence though it was noted that the Council had the discretion to update the policy at a later date to take into account these properties.  Members highlighted the need for the content of the policy to be communicated to both landlords and tenants so that both understood the minimum standards required as well as their respective rights.  There was general consensus that the majority of landlords in Redditch were very good but Members acknowledged that there were some rogue landlords and if they did not comply with the requirements set out in the policy the Council could take action against those individuals.

Creation of a Joint Worcestershire and Herefordshire Waste Partnership Strategy Officer

The report focused on the potential for a new officer post to be introduced which would involve the employment of an officer to co-ordinate responses to Government legislation on behalf of six district Councils in Worcestershire and the unitary authority in Herefordshire. 

Members discussed the following points in relation to this report:

·                The Government had consulted on proposed changes to Environmental Service provision at a local level, which had included the potential to introduce a food waste collection service.

·                Concerns were raised that the introduction of a food waste collection service could contribute to an increase in financial costs to the Council as well as in the number of bins provided to each household.

·                The Government’s proposals were at the consultation stage and no final decisions had yet been taken.  Any legislation requiring changes to Council services would be the subject of a further report to Council.

·                There would be the potential loss of income for the Council should the authority no longer be able to charge for garden waste collection services, which was an idea that had been discussed by the Government.

·                The changes to recycling services would help to ensure that there was a standard approach across the country.

·                The Council would need to issue effective communications about any changes to waste and recycling services to ensure compliance.

·                The impact of any changes on local measures to address climate change needed to be considered.

Financial Outturn Report 2019/20 and Reserves

Members were advised that during the Executive Committee meeting 12 proposals had been agreed on this subject.  Since the meeting on 4^th August 2020, however, new information had emerged in respect of the Council’s reserves.  Based on this information, an alteration had been proposed to the wording of the second recommendation that had been made by the Executive Committee.  This amendment was proposed for Members’ consideration.

During consideration of this item Members noted that additional funding was requested for a new IT system for Environmental Services.  On the one hand it was noted that the financial costs of this system had increased when compared to the original figure that had been anticipated.  On the other hand, it was noted that a new IT system would help to enhance the efficiency of Council services.

Recovery and Restoration Plan:

The content of the Recovery and Restoration Plan was discussed and Members noted that this plan needed to be prepared in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.  In addition, Officers had taken the opportunity to update Members in this report on the progress that had been made in addressing the points that had been raised in the Corporate Peer Challenge.

Members noted that the Covid-19 pandemic had had a serious impact nationally.  People needed to observe social distancing and other requirements set out by the Government in order to avoid a new national lockdown.  The pandemic had had particular implications for people who were homeless, with temporary accommodation having been provided.  Members noted that the Councils in Worcestershire were working on a bid in respect of accommodation in the county and the outcomes of this bid could potentially have a further positive impact on the position of rough sleepers.

The process for developing the Restoration and Recovery Plan was briefly discussed.  Members noted that all Councils had to write this type of plan.  In Redditch, there would be a particular focus on the skills agenda to ensure that residents had the skills needed by local employers.  The pandemic had impacted on leisure facilities and parks and open spaces, as fewer customers had been able to participate in organised activities indoors during the lockdown but there had been an increase in visitors walking in the parks in the Borough.

Finance Monitoring Report Quarter 1 2020/21

Members were advised that the report took into account the impact that Covid-19 had had on the Council’s budget and some adjustments had been made in response.

RESOLVED that

1)        the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Committee held on Tuesday, 4^th August 2020 be received and all recommendations adopted subject to the following amendment to recommendation 2 in the minutes at Minute Item No. 14:

approval of the movement of £1,261K in existing reserves; and

2)        the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Committee held on Tuesday, 8^th September 2020 be received and all recommendations adopted.