MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL
HOUSING CONSULTATIVE BOARD
Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 6 June 2011
|
Present: |
Councillor Barned (Chairman) , and Councillors Barned, Beerling, Brindle, Mrs Gibson, Ms Griffin, Mrs Grigg and Hinder |
1. Apologies for Absence
There were no apologies for absence.
2. Notification of Substitute Members
There were no Substitute Members.
3. Notification of Visiting Members
Councillor Burton was in attendance.
4. Election of Chairman
Councillor Barned was nominated for Chairman by Councillor Mrs Gibson and seconded by Councillor Hinder. However, concern was expressed by other Members regarding a possible conflict of interest due to Councillor Barned being employed by Hyde Housing and being a Board Member of Golding Homes. It was therefore
RESOLVED:
1. That Councillor Barned be appointed Chairman for the meeting.
2. That advice be sought from the Monitoring Officer regarding the possible conflict of interest and reported back to the next meeting.
5. Election of Vice Chairman
RESOLVED: That Councillor Ms Griffin be elected Vice Chairman for the Municipal Year 2011/12.
6. Disclosures by Members and Officers
Councillors Beerling, Mrs Gibson and Hinder declared a personal interest by virtue of being a former Board Member of Golding Homes.
Councillor Barned declared a person interest by virtue of being a Board Member of Golding Homes, Chairman of the Golding Vision Committee and an employee of Hyde Housing.
7. Disclosures of Lobbying
There were no disclosures of lobbying.
8. Appointment of Political Group Spokespersons
RESOLVED: That the following Political Group Spokespersons be appointed for the Municipal Year 2011/12:-
Conservative Councillor Barned
Liberal Democrat Councillor Ms Griffin
9. Housing Strategy 2011/12-14/15
The Board considered the report of the Head of Housing and Community Services regarding the draft Housing Strategy 2011/12 – 2014/15.
In response to questions, Officers informed the Board that the consultation was undertaken in a variety of ways and therefore there was no “percentage return” available and that the Strategy does take into account migration into and out of the Borough.
RESOLVED:
1. That the Cabinet be recommended to agree the draft Housing Strategy 2011/12-2014/15 and recommend it to Council for adoption.
2. That a copy of the adopted Housing Strategy 2011/12-2014/15 be passed to the Homes and Communities Agency (East Region) and the Department of Communities and Local Government for information.
10. Discussion Item - Training/Awareness Needs
The Board were asked to consider the topics they wished to receive in-depth training in.
RESOLVED: That four evening training sessions be arranged within the next six months on the following topics:-
a) Allocation Scheme and Choice Based Lettings
b) Homelessness and housing advice
c) Housing Standards and Management (to include responsibilities of the Landlord)
d) Affordable Housing and Tenure Strategy
11. Discussion Item - Action Plan
Officers circulated a list of issues that could be considered by the Board over the next year. The Board discussed the list and
RESOLVED: That the work programme for the Municipal Year 2011/12 will include the following issues:-
i) Affordable Rent
ii) Tenure Strategy
iii) Allocation Scheme
iv) Homelessness
and will tie-in with the training sessions agreed in Item 10 above.
12. Duration of Meeting
6.30 p.m. to 7.50 p.m.