Dudley Area Housing Panel

 

At this meeting Councillor John Davies was elected chair of the panel for the following twelve months. Martin Smith was elected vice chair also for twelve months.

 

The panel discussed the questionnaire previously circulated asking members on their thoughts about continuously improving their role. These have been sent to members of all five Area Panels and

once all the questionnaires are returned results and conclusions will be made available to all Panel members.

 

Nigel Collumbell outlined how the first phase of the refocusing Housing Management is now complete. He is now responsible for operational management in the north side of the Borough, whilst Margaret Tebbett manages the south side. The objective of this change and the revised structure is to provide a customer focused approach and encourage the development of sustainable communities.

 

Nigel Collumbell also presented an update on Choice based lettings (CBL) The Cabinet has now given its final approval for CBL to proceed and it will now be rolled out across the Borough. This process will be completed by 2010 and will ensure that applicants are offered advice on all the housing options available, not just Council housing.

 

The Garden Initiative was also discussed by Nigel. He reported that a pilot project had started in North Dudley in partnership with Age Concern. Quality checks and satisfaction surveys will be carried out to evaluate the impact of this pilot project.

 

The meeting closed with discussions about the time taken for adaptations to be fitted to properties for tenants with disabilities.

 

Date, time and venue of next meeting. Thursday 18 September in Committee Room 3 at The Council House, Dudley.