Agenda and draft minutes

Venue: via Remote Video Link

Contact: Email: committeeservices@horsham.gov.uk  Direct Line: 01403 215465

Items
No. Item

26.

Notes of previous meeting pdf icon PDF 105 KB

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 9 March 2021

Minutes:

The notes from the previous meeting on 9 March were received by the Group.

27.

Housing Strategy 2021-26

To receive a presentation from the Head of Housing & Community Services on the initial proposals in relation to a new Housing Strategy for 2021-2026

 

It is suggested that the new strategy reflects our further enhanced learning through the COVID pandemic, takes stock of recent achievements, and proposes where we need to review and investigate further before implementing actions to achieve the proposed draft key objectives:

 

·         Ending the need for anyone to sleep rough

·         Supporting independent living

·         Delivering affordable homes for our communities

·         Providing safe and secure homes for those in need

·         Preventing homelessness

 

The Group will be invited to discuss these five draft objectives, and the Head of Housing & Community Services will expand upon them and how the Housing Service and its partners could address these areas moving forward.  

Minutes:

The Head of Housing and Community Services briefed the group on the updated Housing Strategy. The Strategy had been informed by learning throughout the Covid pandemic in order to build further upon recent achievements, as well as identify areas to investigate further.

 

The new strategy was to be implemented in a 3-stage approach and contained 5 key objectives:

 

·       Ending the need for anyone to sleep rough

·       Supporting independent living

·       Delivering affordable homes for our communities

·       Providing safe and secure homes for those in need

·       Preventing homelessness

 

There were several challenges anticipated, however the data led strategy would set out a person-centric approach in order to overcome these and achieve the stated objectives.

 

The Head of Housing and Community Services also provided details on the Housing service’s proposed action plan, which included a number of service area reviews and key actions.

 

The group was supported the proposed five objectives but commented that they may need some clarity to differentiate. Moving forward, the strategy would continue to be developed and be taken to Cabinet followed by Council for approval.

 

28.

Taxi Licensing Policy Review

To receive a briefing from the Head of Environmental Health & Licensing on the review of the Council’s Taxi Licensing Policy

Minutes:

In light of new statutory guidance, the Head of Environmental Health updated the group on subsequent changes to the Taxi Licensing policy in relation to Hackney Carriage and private hire cars. The new policy aimed to further protect the public including young and vulnerable people, as well as future proofing for greener vehicles and the Council’s carbon reduction requirements. Consultation was to be undertaken with industry in order to gain feedback.

 

 The report was to be taken to the Council’s Licencing Committee before consultation with the industry and finally full approval sought from Full Council.

 

29.

Implementation of the New 'Fit and Proper Persons' Provisions

To receive a briefing from the Head of Environmental Health & Licensing on the implementation of new ‘Fit and Proper Person’ provisions under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960

Minutes:

The Principle Environmental Health Officer briefed the group on the introduction of legislation around the control of caravan sites.  The legislation introduced the requirement to assign a ‘fit and proper person’ to manage each site in order to increase regulation and control.

 

The Environmental Health Team would subsequently put a new fees policy and an enforcement policy to the Council’s Licensing Committee and to Full Council for approval.

 

30.

Forward Plan Extract for the Community Matters and Wellbeing Portfolio pdf icon PDF 218 KB

To note the Forward Plan extract for the Community Matters and Wellbeing Portfolio

Minutes:

The Forward Plan extract was noted by the Group.