The Housing Committee of Stroud Council met on Tuesday 26 November 2024, approving new policies on fire safety, radon, and gaining access to properties. The committee also approved a 12-month action plan for tenant engagement and communications, and received updates on the Independent Living Modernisation Programme, regulator preparations, and decarbonisation efforts.

Tenant Engagement and Communications Project

The committee unanimously approved the Tenant Engagement and Communication 12-month action plan. This plan aims to enhance engagement with tenants and leaseholders, co-producing a resident engagement and communication strategy. The project is a response to new legislative requirements, including tenant satisfaction measures and transparency standards, and aims to foster a culture where residents' voices are actively sought and valued. Councillor Terry Cook questioned the motivation behind the project, asking if it was driven by legislative changes or internal priorities. The Principal Resident Engagement Officer confirmed that while the regulator required the project, the housing service recognised the need for improved resident engagement. The Chair emphasised that the project predated the legislative changes. Discussions also covered the creation of a tenant charter, the involvement of all councillors in estate walks, and the potential appointment of a member champion to give the project more weight. Councillor Cook also raised concerns about how the cultural shift would be measured, with the Principal Resident Engagement Officer stating that Tenant Satisfaction Measure results would be the primary Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Housing Services Fire Policy

The committee unanimously adopted the new Housing Services Fire Policy and delegated authority to the Strategic Head of Housing to make minor changes. The policy aims to ensure tenants feel safe, meet safety and quality standards, and comply with fire safety legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Fire Safety Act 2021. Councillor Cook sought clarification on the term 'regular' inspections, which the Head of Assets & Investment (Council Housing) explained involved inspections every few months for communal areas and biennial checks by outsourced fire risk assessors. Councillor Cook requested this be clarified within the policy. The Head of Assets & Investment confirmed that communication with tenants regarding the fire policy would be integrated into the tenant engagement action plan. Concerns were raised by Councillor Cath Moore regarding consultation on the stay put policy, with assurances that tenants would be consulted as part of the review of each block. Councillor Dave Mathews asked if data on fire incidents was published and if fire blankets were supplied in all properties; the Head of Assets & Investment confirmed that while fire incident data was not published, fire extinguishers had been removed due to lack of training, but fire blankets were provided in independent living sites. Councillor Elizabeth Stanley noted that the wording as reasonably practicable as possible was unclear, and the Chair agreed this would be investigated. Councillor Cook also sought clarification on when specific fire warning systems and signs would not be appropriate, with the Head of Assets & Investment suggesting the wording could be amended to when and where required.

Housing Services Radon Policy

The committee unanimously adopted the new Housing Services Radon Policy and delegated authority for minor changes to the Strategic Head of Housing. The policy aims to mitigate the risks associated with radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas. The Head of Assets & Investment (Council Housing) reported that approximately 5,000 council homes were affected by radon, with 820 properties remaining to be reviewed. Of the properties reviewed, 1,935 were deemed to be at no risk, and 2,228 required testing, leading to the installation of 196 fans. Councillor Cook inquired about ongoing testing requirements, and was informed of a 10-year rolling plan for radon testing and continuous monitoring. Councillor Moore asked about the number of properties in high radon areas, and was told 5,041 properties were in such areas, with 196 fans installed to mitigate higher levels.

Gaining Access Policy

The committee unanimously adopted the new Gaining Access Policy and delegated authority for minor changes to the Strategic Head of Housing. This policy outlines the council's approach to managing and enforcing access to its housing stock when necessary, aiming to ensure properties meet national legal standards and residents are safe. The Customer Insight Officer explained that the policy provides a robust escalation process for gaining access and ensures transparency for residents. Councillor Lucas Schoemaker asked about the need for injunctions if tenants did not respond, and was informed that the policy covered emergency and pre-planned access, with clear steps outlined. The question of whether two people would be required for entry without tenant consent was raised, with the Strategic Head of Housing stating it would depend on the emergency, but two people would be sensible where possible. Councillor Cook inquired about the public availability of monitoring data, and was told it would remain internal for operational purposes. The Chair noted that only three properties were outstanding for gas safety checks due to access issues, and that access was generally granted.

Member / Officer Reports

• Tenant Representatives: An update was expected from the tenant representative, but they were unable to attend due to sickness.
• Independent Living Modernisation Programme Update: A report was circulated, and no comments were made.
• Regulator Preparations Update: A report was circulated, and no comments were made.
• Decarbonisation and Energy Efficiency of Council Housing: The Head of Assets & Investment (Council Housing) noted an error in the report regarding the timeline for achieving energy efficiency targets, correcting April 2026, 4 years ahead of our target of 2030 to April 2025, 5 years ahead. The Chair highlighted the significant progress made in improving energy efficiency, which benefits tenants' heating bills, health, and education. The council had applied for a substantial grant to further improve energy efficiency across the county. Councillor Mathews asked if the positive results could be publicised, and the Chair confirmed they would be included in his blog. Councillor Carol Kambites questioned how a balance was struck between improving higher-rated properties and bringing others up to a C rating, with the Head of Assets & Investment explaining that the worst-performing properties were being targeted, subject to budget constraints. The Chair emphasised the importance of bringing all properties up to a C rating, noting the significant savings for the NHS when homes improved from an F or G rating to a C.

Work Programme

Councillor Cook inquired about the December budget meeting, and the Chair mentioned a budget session on 27 November that would be beneficial for committee members. The committee resolved to note the updates to the Work Programme.