Agenda item

Presentation by David Maynard, Onward Homes.

Dave Mayner, Regional Director for Onward Homes and the Neighbourhood Manager gave a presentation to update Members on Onward Homes.

The Regional Director reported on the structure of the organisation and referred to the recent changes in the organisations structure.  He reported that a significant proportion (54%) of their properties were located in Hyndburn.  Members were informed that management services had been streamlined since April with the same service delivered throughout all areas in the North West to ensure consistency in service. 

The Neighbourhood Manager provided further information on: 

·         the stock condition surveys that had been carried out to plan for the future

·         improvements on the current allocations service

·         156 new customers signed up since April

·         re-let times which were under target

·         an improved overall service

The Regional Director reported that although improvements had been made in respect of income collection, the roll out of Universal Credit had had a significant impact. 

The Neighbourhood Manager explained that housing maintenance issues were now dealt with by in-house repair specialists and targets for repair completion had improved in 2018 which a 80% satisfaction level.  She pointed out that where there was dissatisfaction improvements were made.  Further issues discussed included the impact of the right to buy scheme, the Syrian Refugee Programme, 1^st Call to help and support customers and the role of the Environmental Services and the Wellbeing and Investment Teams.  She informed the Committee that the organisation was centred in Accrington with all of its resources and had provided job opportunities for the local community.

Councillor Addison requested:

·         the contact details of the Neighbourhood Teams for residents.

·         improved communications with residents, especially, after concerns had arisen earlier in the year with regards to recycling bins.

·         further information on how residents could get into arrears and what support Onward Homes offered to residents to resolve rent arrears.

She was informed that regular meetings would be held with Councillors throughout the year and information would be provided for neighbourhoods.  The Committee was also informed that neighbourhood walkabouts would recommence and that they would be happy for Councillors to be involved.  The Regional Director reported that there were various reasons for people getting into debt including employment, change of family circumstances and illness and that there were processes in place to deal with these issues with eviction only as a very last resort.      

Councillor Cox requested further information on Onward Homes’ role in rehousing the homeless.  She was informed that the organisation was a member of the Homeless Forum and homelessness was included within their allocations policy to provide priority to people who needed it the most. 

Councillor Glen Harrison (Chair) referred to the Right to Buy Scheme and to the need to acquire more homes to replace those sold and asked what Onward Homes’ aspirations were in respect of the acquisition of properties.  Councillor Bernadette Parkinson asked how many of their properties were currently empty in Hyndburn.   

Members were informed that less than 1% of the stock in the Lancashire was empty which equated to around 65-75 empty properties in the Lancashire region.  They were also informed that many of the properties that had required major works were now being included in repair schemes which would bring back into use many properties which had been long term empty.  The Regional Director indicated that he would let members have the figure for the number of people currently waiting for vacant properties.

Resolved                               -   That the report be noted.