Agenda and minutes

To note the names of apologies given and deputy members who are attending the meeting in place of appointed members.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Scott, with Councillor Gemmell attending as deputy member.

To receive any disclosure of interests from Members and Officers in matters to be discussed.

Note:  Councillors are reminded of their obligations to declare disclosable pecuniary interests, personal and/or prejudicial interests in accordance with legislation and the Council’s Code of Conduct.      

If you require advice, please contact the appropriate Democratic Services Officer, prior to the meeting.

No disclosures of interest were declared.

There were no Chairperson’s announcements

Minutes of the previous meeting held on 7 July 2020.

RESOLVED:

            That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 7 July 2020, be approved and adopted.

To receive and note questions asked and statements made from members of the public on matters which fall within the remit of the Committee.

NB members of the public are required to register with Democratic Services
three clear working days before the meeting

(contact: democracy@winchester.gov.uk  or 01962 848 264).

David Chafe, representative of TACT addressed the committee regarding agenda item 7 (b). A summary of his comments are set out under the relevant minute below.

RESOLVED:

            That the work programme for 2020/21 be noted.

Councillor Murphy provided an update on the Council’s climate emergency programme of works and the Service Lead for Communities and Wellbeing and the Sustainability Officer gave a presentation on the current and ongoing property and energy elements of the carbon neutrality action plan.  The presentation was available on the Council’s website here.

Members asked questions and raised comments which were responded to by officers and the Cabinet member accordingly

Councillor Learney provided an update and the Property Services Manager gave a presentation which provided an understanding on the proposals to reduce the environmental impacts in Council housing stock in order to achieve the Council’s corporate priorities in respect of carbon neutrality.  The presentation was available on the Council’s website here.

In summary, David Chafe (on behalf of TACT) addressed the committee and reported that TACT had submitted a number of questions directly to the Property Services Manager who advised that he would contact TACT to address these points in due course. 

David Chafe stated that the primary concerns from the tenant’s perspective would be in relation to the level of repairs required to homes to increase energy efficiency, and any cost implications and increases to rent as a result of these works, therefore a period of tenant consultation should take place prior to any final decision being made. In response, the Property Services Manager reminded the committee of the rent caps and controls in place and that external repairs to roof insulation etc would not impact on rents. Furthermore, he stated that internal works such as wall insulation, would be carried out whilst properties were empty in between tenancies and as measures were unlikely to change market values, this would not need to be a concern for tenants. 

The Chairperson thanked David Chafe for his contribution and recognised the importance for continued tenant consultation and communication on proposals.

Members asked questions and raised comments which were responded to by officers and the Cabinet member accordingly

RESOLVED:

That the content of the presentations be received and the      comments of the Committee be noted.

The meeting commenced at 6.00 pm and concluded at 8.20 pm

Chairperson