Agenda item - Items from Resident Only Meetings

Items from Resident Only Meetings (copies attached).

5.1       The Housing Service Operations Manager explained that the previous system of “blue pages” had been updated and only three star items, which were city wide concerns, would be discussed at the Area Housing Panels.

5.2       (Item 9 – July question - Fire Safety in High Rises) It was suggested that evacuation procedures should be on the notice boards in the communal areas. The Officer explained that they would not publish evacuation procedures as all incidents would be different and the East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service would have to assess each individual incident. The Panel agreed with the Chair that it would be helpful to have a report regarding fire safety at a future Area Housing Panel as there was ongoing work concerning this.

5.3       (Item 11 – July question - Conditions of tenancy) In response to concerns raised by the Panel the Officer clarified that to end a tenancy a conviction was needed; however, the Housing department can use closure orders to close a property initially and then go through the court process to end the tenancy. It was noted that these were used and had been successful.

5.4       (Item 12 – July question - Upgrades to Sky TV and communal satellite dishes) The Housing Asset Strategy Manager explained to the Panel that the communal satellite dishes provided freeview channels and residents could choose to purchase add ons with Sky and this would not require new satellite dishes to be installed. Selected aerials were to be upgraded as some were not compatible with SkyQ; however, if residents had any further queries then they should contact Adrian Day, Mechanical & Electrical team.

5.5       (Item 4 – April question - Estate Development Budget (EDB) – costing of work) It was explained that the Woodingdean fencing cost of £15,000 was for 12 jobs rather than 12 individual fencing panels.

5.6       RESOLVED – That the Panel agreed to note the responses.