To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Roger Phillips.

To receive details of any councillor nominated to attend the meeting in place of a member of the committee.

Councillors Dave Davies was present as the named substitute for Councillor Roger Phillips.

To receive declarations of interest in respect of items on the agenda.

No declarations of interest were made.

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 27 February 2024.

The minutes of the previous meeting were received.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 27 February 2024 be confirmed as a correct record and be signed by the Chairperson.

To receive any written questions from members of the public.

A document containing a question received from a member of the public and the response provided was included in supplement to the agenda: Link to Supplement 2.

To receive any written questions from members of the council.

No questions had been received from councillors.

To consider an overview of affordable and social housing in Herefordshire.

The committee received the presentation ‘Affordable housing and housing need in Herefordshire’.  The Housing Operations Service Manager presented the slides: Introduction; An overview; What is affordable housing?; Affordable housing tenures; Current housing situation in the county; Who delivers housing / services in Herefordshire?; How do we deliver additional housing in the county?; Delivery figures 2019-2024; Variety of completed schemes; Setting the context (1); Setting the context (2); What are we doing about it?; What do we need?; and Questions.

At the request of the Chairperson, the notes that were read out were published following the meeting: Link to 'Affordable housing and housing need in Herefordshire' (with notes).

The principal points of the discussion included:

1.           The potential for government policy reforms following the recent general election.

2.           The need to refresh the Herefordshire Housing Market Needs Assessment 2021 which formed part of the evidence base for the development of the Local Plan.  Later in the meeting, it was noted that the needs assessment identified local housing market area geographies and housing needs.

3.           Capacity and resource issues were outlined, including the need for: dedicated support to help people to move on from temporary accommodation; enhanced incentives for private landlords; and properties that the council could manage itself.  The committee was advised that registered providers of social housing were excluding some customers, and the introduction of credit checks was likely to impact others.

4.           The Chairperson explained that commissioned research into housing delivery models was due to be considered by the committee in October 2024 and that any cross cutting matters that may arise could be identified to the Scrutiny Management Board or to the relevant scrutiny committee.

5.           An overview was provided of the complexities and lengthy processes associated with bringing empty properties back into use through the council.

6.           It was reported that the Council Tax and Business Rates Team would hold details of the number of second homes in the county.  A committee member questioned whether the council’s policy on the levying of empty homes and second homes Council Tax premiums would have implications for the local market, and whether this funding could be used for housing related initiatives.

7.           With reference made to the slide Delivery figures 2019-2024, it was noted that the number of affordable units delivered had exceeded the yearly target but it was questioned whether this had kept pace with the increasing level of demand.  It was also noted that 1,957 households were on the waiting list for general needs affordable housing.

8.           A further paper was requested on the issues raised in the meeting to complement the work to be undertaken in October 2024.

9.           It was noted that the council had taken the decision to become a registered provider and it was suggested that a ‘right to buy-back’ scheme could be explored.

10.        The Service Director Economy and Growth commented on the importance of housing and infrastructure in supporting the local economy and communities.  It was noted that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To determine whether to form a committee working group to scrutinise development of the Public Realm Future Operating Model.

The committee considered the formation of a working group to scrutinise development of the Public Realm Future Operating Model; the draft terms of reference were attached to the report: Link to Appendix 1.

The Service Director Environment and Highways explained the background to the development of the new Public Realm Services model and contracting arrangements; the contract would start from June 2026.  It was reported that a market testing exercise was being undertaken which would inform the reshaping of the model and a working group would provide scrutiny committee members with an opportunity to preview ideas prior to consideration by Cabinet.

In response to questions from committee members, the Service Director:

i)             confirmed that the tender would be open to all qualifying suppliers, including the current contractor;

ii)           noted the value of cross-party input given the importance of the contract to residents and people travelling throughout Herefordshire;

iii)          outlined the differences between the broad range of services delivered by the current contractor and the new contract for core services to deliver works; and

iv)          explained that the areas covered by the locality stewards and the demands on their time would be reviewed.

The Chairperson commented that such matters could be explored further and drew attention to the objectives for the working group.

Resolved:

That the committee form a working group according to the terms of reference

attached to the report at Appendix 1.

To consider the draft work programme for the Connected Communities Scrutiny Committee for the municipal year 2024/25.

The Statutory Scrutiny Officer presented the draft work programme for the remainder of the municipal year 2024/25.  In particular, it was recommended that the scheduled meeting on 11 September 2024 be moved to 15 October 2024 to enable the committee to consider research into housing delivery models (due to be received on 27 September 2024), and to receive the findings from the Public Realm Future Operating Model Working Group (due to meet on 8 October 2024).

With attention drawn to the ‘Enterprise Zones’ item, due to be considered on 13 November 2024, a committee member suggested that: the item should explore the benefits arising from businesses moving into enterprise zones and the consequential release of other premises; a recent Internal Audit Update Report could be included as part of the evidence, Link to Audit and Governance Committee minutes, 11 June 2024; and the invitees could include Bill Jackson and Andrew Manning-Cox, as both individuals had chaired the Hereford Enterprise Zone Executive Board.  Another committee member suggested that the chair of Ross Town Council could be invited.  The Chairperson requested that an informal work programme discussion be arranged for committee members on 11 September 2024.

Resolved:

That the work programme, as amended and subject to periodical reviews, be agreed as the basis of the primary focus for the committee for the remainder of the municipal year 2024/25.

To consider the date of the next committee meeting.

Further to the work programme item above, the next scheduled meeting in public was confirmed as Tuesday 15 October 2024 at 2.00 pm.