Agenda item

Councillor Andrea Lewis, Cabinet Member for Housing, Energy & Building Services provided a verbal address further to the written report circulated on her portfolio responsibilities and achievements.

Questions and discussions with the Cabinet Member focussed on the following:

·                 HMO Management

- The Cabinet Member highlighted details of a recent successful prosecution,       whereby a landlord had been prosecuted for 25 offences relating to failing to comply with regulations, in particular fire safety precautions, which posed a severe risk.  The landlord had received a fine of £18,600 with full costs of approximately £1692 being awarded to the Council.

- the timetable for the Supplementary Planning Guidance coming back to the       Planning Committee.

·                 Rent Smart Wales – Members queried the impact that this service has had on the department, and what additional staff were taken on to deal with it and when was the last time staffing was reviewed.

·                 Homelessness Strategy – an update was provided on the development of the strategy. Public consultation responses had now been received and would be reported back to the Poverty Reduction Policy Development & Delivery Committee for discussion prior to further consultation with other relevant stakeholders.  Council approval was expected in Autumn 2018.  The committee requested pre-decision scrutiny on the strategy or earlier engagement to ensure opportunity to influence the draft strategy in good time.

·                 Council Housing / Building Fire Safety

- the distinction between UK fire regulations and European fire regulations was discussed.

- the Cabinet Member updated members on the recent positive results of fire       safety testing on cladding used in our high-rise buildings, passing UK Government tests. She stated that the whole fire safety system in place was deemed safe, and exceeded minimum standards.

- members praised the local response in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire to provide assurance to residents.

- sprinkler systems – the Cabinet Member confirmed that Welsh Government had insisted that all new buildings be installed with sprinkler systems. Sprinkler installation would also begin at the Council's high-rise blocks of flats in November. Priority would be given to blocks of flats which have had exterior cladding fitted, with work continuing on a phased basis over the following months to install in all high-rise blocks. Councillors asked about ensuring tenant awareness of the operation of a sprinkler system, and the position with insurance should there be any malfunction. The cabinet member was asked to look into engaging all councillors about the system for their awareness and members welcomed any possibility of a demonstration of the system.

- Fire blankets – the cabinet member confirmed that these would not be issued to tenants due to advice from the Fire Service, and other issues.  The advice to residents is to turn off the relevant source, e.g. hob and evacuate the property, and not to tackle the fire themselves which could put people at more risk.

·                 Neighbourhood Support Units / Anti-Social Behaviour – the committee asked about effectiveness in dealing with anti-social behaviour and challenges.

·                 District Heating Scheme – the committee asked about progress and were told that options were still being considered about the best way to introduce this. The cabinet member added that one of the City Deal projects concerns ‘homes as power stations’ to enable buildings to generate, store and release energy.

·                 More Homes Council House Building Project – the committee was told that the development at Milford Way, Penplas was progressing well.  The Cabinet Member was extremely proud of the project and she praised the work carried out by Corporate Building Services.  Properties would be allocated at the end of October to those at the top of the Housing list and most in need. The committee asked about costs and were told that a report would be coming forward in September.

·                 Electric vehicle charging infrastructure – it was felt this required an ‘all Wales’ approach to improve consumer confidence in making the switch to electric vehicles.  Additional electric vehicles were in the process of being purchased as part of our fleet – taking it up to 40 vehicles.  A list of public charging points in the area was requested.

·                 Green Energy Schemes – all options including Biomass technology collaboration with other nearby Authorities such as Neath Port Talbot / Bridgend Councils were being considered.

·                 Tidal Bay Lagoon – This decision was still with the UK Government.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member for attending and providing a comprehensive update.

RESOLVED that the Chair of the Scrutiny Programme Committee writes to the Cabinet Member, reflecting the discussion and sharing the views of the Committee.