Agenda item

Objective: To highlight the ongoing activities of the Tenant and Leaseholder Panels and provide an additional opportunity for tenant and leaseholder voices to be heard.

The leaseholder representative updated the Committee on the most recent meeting of the Leaseholder Panel on 3 June. She explained that they had:

-       Met with the new Resident Engagement Officer who will support both the Tenant and Leaseholder Panels.

-       Discussed the new fire safety S20 notice with the Asset & Investment Management, which leaseholders had many questions about. They had clarified that charges will only apply where remedial work is necessary.

-       Reviewed stock condition survey progress which will inform the development of the 10-year maintenance programme, and will help leaseholders forecast potential future costs.

-       Agreed a membership cap for the Panel of 10 members.

-       Been introduced to the action tracker to monitor follow-ups and commitments.

-       Expressed the training needs to be delivered to the Panel.

-       Expressed the need for leaseholders to be more involved in the cost discussion for future planned works. Particularly in planned works and S20 where leaseholders can inspect contracts and submit observation during consultation. They recognise that contractor selection remains outside leaseholder control due to legal requirements and protocols. However, they would like to be able to inspect work once finished.

The Committee’s discussion raised the following points:

-       Communication could be generally improved with leaseholders, but specific concerns were raised around lack of consultation, specifically in relation to contractors and how the building is looked after.

-       Dealing with major works is a challenging and costly process and we have to strictly adhere to the S20 consultation process. Currently the council is looking at improving the legal documents wording to provide a clearer version with better rational behind it to show the cost benefits. The leasehold team are working with colleagues in technical and investment to ensure that this is considered from leaseholders’ perspectives. This will include consulting with the Leaseholder Panel at the start of significant works on communication to ensure it is clear and provides information that is needed. Whilst this will not be possible at all times, we want to ensure that we are continuing to improve the service for leaseholders.

-       We will consider how leaseholders can be involved in assessing work once completed, depending on the safety of the situation. Feedback is provided as part of the final part of the S20 process which is often where enquiries are received on what work was carried out. It is important to ensure that leaseholders are involved in the feedback loop to maintain quality and ensure issues that may have emerged are factored into which contractors are used.

-       The tenant representative raised issues that tenants are experiencing when they request that Universal Credit (UC) payments are made directly to the landlords. There is often a delay in this process which means that tenants receive the first 5-6 weeks of rent payment themselves, and due to communication issues they are not always aware that this money is for rent and they need to pay it to their landlords. Despite trying to do the right thing tenants can unknowingly end up with £500-600 of rent arrears which it is difficult for them to repay. As UC migration continues this is likely to become a growing issue if the council do not take mitigating actions. Tenants are also being expected to inform the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) of rent increases, even if they have informed them that they will be unable to manage this, and will be liable for the shortfall themselves. This will create additional issues. Tenants will continue to be supported proactively by the council through their income officers, the benefit and money advice team, and the training and employment service. The Committee agreed that as a national issue this should be discussed with local MPs to ensure that this matter can be addressed with central government. An update on the rent collection will be provided to the Committee later in the year.