The Housing & Leisure Overview & Scrutiny Committee of North Yorkshire Council met on Monday, 10 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the Housing Service Overview, the Housing Review, and the Bereavement Service. Key decisions were made regarding the future direction of the council's housing policies and services.

Housing Service Overview

The committee reviewed the Housing Service Overview - Presentation, which provided a comprehensive update on the current state of housing services in North Yorkshire. The presentation highlighted the ongoing challenges in meeting housing demands and the steps being taken to address these issues. Key points included:

• The integration of housing services across the newly formed unitary authority.
• Efforts to streamline processes and improve service delivery.
• The importance of maintaining high standards in housing provision and tenant satisfaction.

Committee members raised questions about the effectiveness of current strategies and the need for continuous improvement. There was a consensus on the importance of clear communication with residents and stakeholders to ensure transparency and trust.

Housing Review

The committee considered the Housing Review Cover Report and its associated appendices, including the 1989 NYC TSM Survey Report 2023-24 and the Assessment of Compliance with the Consumer Standards and Housing Improvement Plan. The review aimed to evaluate the council's compliance with housing standards and identify areas for improvement. Key findings included:

• The need for enhanced monitoring and reporting mechanisms to ensure compliance with consumer standards.
• Recommendations for improving the handling of housing complaints, as detailed in the NYC Housing Complaints Policy June 24 and the Complaint Handling Code Self Assessment 2024.
• The importance of staff training and guidance, as outlined in the NYC Housing Complaints Staff Guidance.

The committee resolved to adopt the recommendations and emphasized the need for ongoing evaluation and adaptation of housing policies to meet the evolving needs of residents.

Bereavement Service

The committee reviewed the Bereavement Service, focusing on its operating model and proposed future developments. The service, which provides dignified funerals and cremation or burial services, has transitioned to the new unitary authority. Key points discussed included:

• The current capacity of the service to meet demand across North Yorkshire.
• The impact of changing operational processes on the council's emissions reduction goals.
• The potential for new business models and the increasing popularity of direct cremations.

The committee noted the importance of maintaining high standards in bereavement services and ensuring that they are accessible and responsive to the needs of the community.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed and noted the Draft Housing Leisure OSC Work Programme, which outlines the future agenda and priorities for the committee.