Issue - meetings

Report ACS11059

The Portfolio Holder introduced a report which provided an overview of the half year performance of Housing & Residential Services against the key objectives and targets for 2011/12.

In response to a question regarding the number of over 18’s in shared accommodation, the Head of Housing Needs and Enforcements reported that there were approximately 220 adults in bed and breakfast accommodation with about a third of these in shared accommodation.

Noting that the number of empty properties had reduced by a further 82, a Member questioned what the number of empty properties had reduced from.  The Assistant Director (Housing and Residential Services) reported that he would provide this information following the meeting.

A Member asked if information regarding the levels of demand for different types of accommodation (for example family accommodation) had ever been provide to the Committee.  The Head of Housing Need and Enforcement reported that this data would be provided to the Committee in March 2012 once the new registration process had been implemented.

The Committee also considered the need to encourage more people into the private rented sector.  The Head of Housing Needs and Enforcement reported that this was one of the main aims of the Department however, recent changes to Housing Benefit was making this increasingly difficult.

A Co-opted Member highlighted the need for the Council’s Planning Department to work with Local Housing Associations to ensure that as many applications as possible were approved.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to agree the actions being taken to meet the range of housing duties and needs in Bromley to deal with the increased pressures on the service resulting from the current economic climate.