The Hampstead District Management Committee (DMC) met on Thursday 16 December 2010 to discuss a range of housing-related issues, including the future of district housing offices, budget allocations, and the Better Homes programme. Key decisions included endorsing proposals from the Camden Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations (CFTRA) and approving various bids for revenue and capital budgets.

The Future of District Housing Offices and Accommodation Strategy

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the Council's accommodation strategy and the future of district housing offices. The report, introduced by Rhys Makinson, Assistant Director of Housing and Adult Social Care (HASC), outlined proposals to close District Housing Offices and replace them with a network of touchdown centres. The immediate proposal was to close the Camden Town District Housing Office (DHO) at the Crowndale Centre and relocate staff to Bidborough House by June 2011. The Hampstead District offices at 156 West End Lane, London NW6 1SD, were also earmarked for sale and relocation, with full consultation with residents and trades unions to take place.

DMC members expressed strong opposition to the closure of the Hampstead office, citing concerns about increased travel costs and inconvenience for residents. Councillor Julian Fulbrook, Cabinet Member for Housing, defended the proposals, stating a preference for retaining staff over underutilised office space and highlighting the opportunity for officers to engage more locally with tenants. He explained that touchdown centres would be adaptable, with some fully staffed and others acting as satellites, and invited suggestions for their locations. A decision in principle had been made to close the Camden Town DHO, but consultation was planned for other proposals. The committee resolved to hold a special meeting in February to further consider savings, touchdown centres, and other related issues.

Better Homes Programme Feedback

The committee received an update on the Better Homes programme, which aims to improve council housing. Feedback from consultation activities, including a workshop held on 2 December, was presented. While the full report for Cabinet in March 2011 was still being developed, council tenants and residents were encouraged to submit written feedback by 31 January 2011. Members expressed dissatisfaction with the information provided on scaffolding arrangements, noting a lack of clarity on removal dates, and requested better provision for the timely removal of scaffolding.

Housing Policy Options and Budget Position

Rhys Makinson also presented a report on Housing Policy Options, which addressed an estimated budget shortfall of £80-100 million between 2011 and 2014 due to government funding cuts. The report highlighted potential budget pressures for 2011/12, requiring an additional £3 million in efficiency savings. The committee noted that the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) review and potential changes to the Housing Finance system from April 2012 were still subject to further detail from the government. A potential 7.1% rent increase was mentioned as a possibility under draft subsidy determination, which could cause difficulties for less well-off tenants. These proposals were to be discussed further at a Joint DMC meeting on 6 January 2011.

Revenue and Capital Budget Allocations

The committee considered bids for the DMC Revenue and Capital Budget allocations for 2010-11. Several bids were approved, including £3,196.95 for the Alexandra and Ainsworth TRA Hall, £4,600 for the application of Resibond treatment to brickwork at Burnham, and £2,430.00 for a BDS shelter at Abbey Road Housing Co-op. Other bids were deferred pending further investigation or quotes. For the capital budget, a bid of £19,000 for replacing brick flooring at Dorney was approved subject to a breakdown of costs, and £10,000 for new playground equipment at Taplow was approved, contingent on a meeting with local children.

Other Discussions

The committee noted the absence of NHS representatives for a presentation on NHS Health Checks. A report from the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) highlighted concerns about the three-year rule for appointments, the lack of tenant chairs for the group, and frustration over recommendations being ignored by the Council. The JMG also reported issues with the performance of contractors Tomkins and May and described a system where residents facing communal heating failures would be directed to an automated message.

Councillor Meric Apak provided an update on the Housing and Adult Social Care (HASC) Scrutiny Committee, detailing the work of three panels: Leaseholders Charges, Tenant Participation, and Repairs and Decent Homes. Suggestions for future panels included Adult Social Care provision and Housing Allocations.

The DMC also endorsed proposals contained within a paper prepared by the Camden Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations (CFTRA), which outlined concerns about proposed government policy changes, including flexible tenancies and affordable rents.

Finally, the committee noted information items on doorstep credit meters, responding to noise complaints, updates from the Active Tenants and Residents Panel, grants and IT equipment loans, the impact of housing benefits reforms, local decisions briefing for DMCs, and the Hampstead food recycling update. The minutes of the previous meeting on 23rd September 2010 were approved, with an amendment regarding the withdrawal of the Burnham Towers bid for the Capital Budget Report.