Agenda item - Performance Report Q2 2014/15

(copy attached).

25.1      The Head of Income, Inclusion & Improvement presented a report that covered Housing Management Performance during Quarter 2 of the 2014/15 financial year. The Head of Income, Inclusion & Improvement stated that the table provided figures and a RAG rating system against key performance indicators adding that the intention of the report was to provide Area Panels with information on Housing services performance and, as with previous versions of the report, comments and feedback on its presentation was welcomed to improve future versions.

25.2      Bob Spacie noted that there were currently rent arrears amounting to £1 million and asked if this level was expected to remain the same.

25.3      The Head of Income, Inclusion & Improvement stated that she sincerely hoped this would not be the case. She explained that the recent changes to benefit payments had contributed to the current level and that Housing were ensuring that support and financial advice was available for tenants.

25.4      John Marchant asked how many properties were available for those that may want to downsize.

25.5      The Head of Income, Inclusion & Improvement clarified that there was a good match between over and under occupied properties where there was a willingness to move. She added that the primary issue was that there was not a strong enough demand for bungalow properties.

25.6      Ray Metcalfe asked if rent arrears were ever written off.

25.7      The Head of Income, Inclusion & Improvement clarified that whilst she was not sure on a precise figure, some debt was written off usually if the cost of recovering the debt was greater than the original debt.

25.8      Tracey Cox stated that she felt location was the primary issue in people’s unwillingness to downsize as they did not want to move to an area they were unfamiliar with or away from their current location.

25.9      RESOLVED- That the report be noted.