Havant Borough Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meeting

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Brent.

There were no declarations of interests relating to matters on the agenda.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 25 July 2023 were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

Councillor Robinson introduced a report which set out the key aims to meet the Council’s responsibilities.

Members asked questions of clarification from Patrick Lee, Interim Executive Head of Housing & Communities and raised points in relation to:

·       The need for personal outside space for all homes

·       developing relationships with Portsmouth City Council

·       the number of affordable homes as opposed to the number of social housing

·       to clarify what the classification of an empty hoe and vacant home

·       the need for energy efficiency to be more prominent in housing delivery and assessment

·       the needs to raise standards of housing

·       the need to have stronger expectations of housing associations in relation to timely and adequate repairs to properties

·       to explore implementing timelines for the completion of new properties

·       clarity of the number of empty homes that are Portsmouth City Council

Members were requested to raise any issues regarding housing providers not undertaking repairs to housing officers.

Members thanked officers for their work on the Housing Strategy.

Proposed by Councillor Keast and seconded by Councillor Munday, following questions and a vote, it was

RESOLVED that members note the information and update presented.

Councillor Fairhurst introduced a report which outlines the progress made in relation to the procurement of a replacement of ICT Infrastructure & Security and confirmation of the tender process and timeline.

Members asked questions of clarification from Tom Locke, Digital Services Manager and raised points in relation to:

·       The need to ensure any future provider has the ability to increase their provision and undertake any changes we require in the future

·       The need to have a completion date to measure performance and ensure delivery is as expected

Proposed by Councillor Sceal and seconded by Councillor Milne, following questions and a vote, it was

RESOLVED that members note the information and update presented.