The Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Tuesday, 18 June 2024, to discuss a range of issues including the Richmond Social Housing Improvement Plan, the reconfiguration of specialist cancer treatment services for children, and updates on joint health overview and scrutiny committees.

Richmond Social Housing Improvement Plan

The Committee welcomed representatives from PA Housing, including Suzannah Taylor, Executive Director of Development, and Donna Brace, Director of Asset Management. They presented a comprehensive report covering various aspects such as responsive repairs, stock condition, mould and damp issues, voids and lettings, anti-social behaviour (ASB), and tenant satisfaction measures.

Community Ambassadors Mary Harrison and Barbara Biles highlighted the importance of resident engagement and voiced concerns over poor communication, substandard repairs, and delayed ASB case resolutions. They requested a firm commitment from PA Housing to improve these areas and to appoint a named contact for resident engagement. Ms Taylor acknowledged these concerns and committed to enhancing community engagement and addressing the issues raised.

Members noted the need for Richmond-specific data in future reports and expressed concerns over PA Housing's failure to meet the 10 working day target for complaint responses. Ms Taylor assured that new measures, including an escalation team, were being implemented to improve complaint resolution.

Reconfiguration of Specialist Cancer Treatment Services for Children

The Committee discussed the decision by NHS England to relocate very specialist cancer treatment services for children from the Royal Marsden Hospital to the Evelina Children’s Hospital. Councillor Stephen O'Shea updated the Committee on the South West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee's (JHOSC) discussions on this matter. Concerns were raised about the consultation process, the weighting of results, and the impact on local residents.

Councillor Clare Vollum reported on the North West London JHOSC meeting, which focused on primary care access and the introduction of primary care hubs. Miscommunication about the proposals had led to concerns among residents, but it was clarified that the pilot involved GPs collaborating to improve same-day access.

The Committee resolved to request the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to call in NHS England's decision, citing concerns about the consultation process and the decision's impact on the local area.

Forward Plan

The Committee reviewed the forward plan, noting the agenda items for the next meeting on 18 June 2024. Members suggested arranging a special meeting to discuss the response to proposed changes to paediatric oncology services. They also noted the upcoming presentation by the South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust in September 2024, which would focus on services for Richmond residents.

The Committee acknowledged the expected housing benchmarking report and the forthcoming housing resources and commitments paper, which would include information on housing need, downsizing, and provision after hospital discharge.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Supplementary Agenda Tuesday 18-Jun-2024 19.00 Adult Social Services Health and Housing Committee and the ASSHH Cttee - End Year 2023-24 performance report.