The Housing Management Panel for the West Hove & Portslade Area discussed several key issues, including the Housing Performance Report for Q3 2023-24, a review of the Housing Allocations Policy, and the Housing Strategy for 2024-29. Decisions were made to follow up on incomplete actions from previous meetings and to ensure better engagement with residents on various policies.

Housing Performance Report Q3 2023-24

Justine Harris provided a verbal brief on the Housing Performance Report for Q3 2023-24. Councillor Grimshaw queried the increased average time to complete routine repairs, to which Geof Gage responded that efforts were underway to improve this statistic in the next quarterly report. Councillor Nann asked about the drop in the number of calls being answered, and Justine Harris clarified that this was due to the way calls were being recorded, including cancelled calls in the statistics.

Housing Allocations Policy Review - Consultation

Luke Harris briefed the panel on the Housing Allocations Policy Review. Councillor Miller suggested a six-month window in the succession process for those who had recently lost a family member. Luke Harris confirmed that this was considered in the policy. Councillor Grimshaw raised questions about the legal right to succession post-March 2012, and Harris confirmed that partners could succeed but children of tenants could not. The policy would be reviewed during the consultation.

Housing Strategy 2024-29

Steve Moreton presented the Housing Strategy for 2024-29. Residents expressed concerns about the accessibility of the strategy for those not digitally literate. Moreton assured that accommodations would be made to ensure all residents could engage with the strategy. Councillor Pumm asked about engagement with the private sector, and Moreton clarified that the strategy would consider the private rented sector and social landlords. Martin Reid added that efforts were underway to change the licensing regime for HMOs and extend it to selective licensing.

Residents’ Question Time

Several issues were raised during Residents' Question Time. Concerns about the emergency maintenance service provided by PH Jones were discussed, with Martin Reid confirming that temporary heating should have been provided and would be followed up. Residents also raised issues about the maintenance of overgrowth around housing properties and the prices of garage licenses. Councillor Miller noted that changes were related to enforcement policy rather than the licenses themselves.

Any Other Business

A resident noted that EDB bid consultations were not being properly circulated, leading to decisions being made without resident input. The meeting concluded with a commitment to improve communication and follow up on unresolved issues.