Issue - meetings

It was moved by Councillor Garland, seconded by Councillor Sherreard, that the recommendation of the Cabinet relating to the future role of the Strategic Housing Advisory Committee be approved.

Councillor Parvin, the Vice-Chairman of the Standards Committee, advised the Council that, in accordance with Article 15.02 (a) of the Constitution, the Standards Committee had evaluated the proposed amendments to the Constitution and believed that their implementation would help to ensure that the aims and principles of the Constitution were given full effect by putting in place a process which would enable decisions to be taken efficiently and effectively, and which would create a powerful and effective means of holding decision makers to public account.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the Strategic Housing Advisory Committee be disbanded. 

2.  That a new body named the ‘Housing Consultative Board’ be created, with the terms of reference as set out below:-

3.  That the new Housing Consultative Board be reviewed after 12 months to determine its effectiveness and its continued existence.

4.  That the Constitution be amended accordingly.

The Committee was asked to evaluate the amendment of the Constitution as a consequence of a proposal to disband the Strategic Housing Advisory Committee and create a new body to be called the “Housing Consultative Board” to advise the Cabinet and Cabinet Members on housing matters.  It was noted that, in the light of major changes to housing statute and policy proposed by central government, it was considered that there was merit in having a body to advise the Cabinet and Cabinet Members on matters relating to housing.  However, it was also felt important to differentiate this body from the role of the Strategic Housing Advisory Committee, which was in effect to monitor the progress of the promises made prior to the housing stock transfer.

The Committee supported the proposed amendment of the Constitution as a process would be put in place which would enable decisions to be taken efficiently and effectively and which would create a powerful and effective means of holding decision makers to public account.

RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to the COUNCIL:  That it be noted that, in accordance with Article 15.02 (a) of the Constitution, the Standards Committee has evaluated the amendment of the Constitution as a consequence of the proposal to disband the Strategic Housing Advisory Committee and create a new body to be called the “Housing Consultative Board”, and believes that its implementation will help to ensure that the aims and principles of the Constitution are given full effect by putting in place a process which will enable decisions to be taken efficiently and effectively, and which creates a powerful and effective means of holding decision makers to public account.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Regeneration and Communities regarding the future role of the Strategic Housing Advisory Committee (‘SHAC’).

RESOLVED:

1.  That, as part of the review of standing committees, an all-party advisory body for Cabinet and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration be formed with terms of reference as set out below:

Revised Terms of Reference

To give advice to the Cabinet and the Cabinet Member with responsibility for housing on:

a)  Housing Strategy, housing needs and the Housing Investment Programme

b)  The provision of housing including the type, size and tenure

c)  The delivery of new affordable homes

d)  Homelessness, temporary accommodation and the provision of housing advice

e)  The council’s Allocation Scheme and performance  of the housing register

f)  The Supporting People programme

g)  Changes to housing legislation, regulation and policy.

2. That the Council be recommended to:

  i.  Disband the Strategic Housing Advisory Committee

  ii.  Form a new body named the ‘Housing Consultative Board’ for an initial period of 12 months, following which its effectiveness be reviewed, with the terms of reference as set out below:

Revised Terms of Reference

To give advice to the Cabinet and the Cabinet Member with responsibility for housing on:

a)  Housing Strategy, housing needs and the Housing Investment Programme

b)  The provision of housing including the type, size and tenure

c)  The delivery of new affordable homes

d)  Homelessness, temporary accommodation and the provision of housing advice

e)  The council’s Allocation Scheme and performance  of the housing register

f)  The Supporting People programme

g)  Changes to housing legislation, regulation and policy.

  iii.  That the Constitution be amended accordingly.

The Cabinet considered the reference from the Strategic Housing Advisory Committee (“SHAC”) relating to the proposed future role of the Committee.

RESOLVED: That consideration of this matter be deferred to the next meeting of the Cabinet.