Agenda and minutes

Appendix A lists those Tenants’ and Residents’ Associations (TRAs), which have satisfactorily completed the registration process at the date of despatch of this agenda. It gives details of the representatives of those Associations to be co-opted onto the DMC, in accordance with the constitution, together with the names of the substitutes.

Appendix B lists those TRAs whose registrations have lapsed. If a TRA wishes to register it must hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM), open to all members, once a year (with an independent observer in attendance). The minutes must be sent to the Tenant Participation Team together with a membership list and a completed registered form.

The ‘A’ and ‘B’ lists were noted.

Apologies for absence were received from Momota Khatoon (St Pancras Way Estate TRA), Jane Hickson (Leighton Crescent TRA), John Cowley (Camden Square TRA) and Councillor Richard Cotton.

The Chair announced that it would be June Dodd’s (Peckwater Estate Tenants Association) last DMC meeting, stating that she had always worked her best for her estate, and thanked her on behalf of the Kentish Town DMC for her contribution over the years.

There were no declarations.

There was no urgent business.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meetings of the Kentish Town District Management Committee held on 29 November 2022 and 11 January 2023.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meetings held on 29 November 2023 and 11 January 2023.

In response to a member asking if the heating pool charges would stay the same, in relation to page 21 the 11 January 2023 minutes, officers confirmed that they would update the DMC on charges once prices stabilised, as there was currently significant fluctuation in the market. There was further information on page 65 of the agenda, Heating Pool Update.

RESOLVED –

THAT the minutes of the meetings held on 29 November 2022 and 11 January 2023 be approved as a correct record.

The DMC is asked to note the progress of the action points arising from the previous meeting.

Consideration was given to the actions arising from the previous meeting.

To check if the GLA void property report is still available or if this information is published elsewhere

In response to the comments provided by officers, residents asked if London Councils could be contacted who may carry out benchmarking on void properties. Officers agreed to approach London Councils with the request for information.

ACTION BY: Landlord Services Manager

RESOLVED –

THAT the Action Point Update be noted.

Report of the Director of Housing Management and the Director of Property Services.

The DMC is asked to discuss and comment on the sections of the consolidated report that are of particular interest to members during the meeting.

The consolidated Housing Services report was compiled following feedback from DMC members at recent meetings and arising from specific requests from DMC chairs during their April agenda setting with the Cabinet Member. It includes Housing Management & Property Services performance and other requested reports.

Consideration was given to the consolidated report of the Director of Housing Management and the Director of Property Services.

Housing Contractor Performance

Danny Waite, Head of Repairs and Operations, outlined the report. In addition to the paper, he noted that the maintenance and repairs sector market conditions were currently challenging, sector wide, and explained why it was not the best time to tender for new contractors. The following was discussed:

-       In response to a question in relation to the aging workforce, officers confirmed that it was correct there were colleagues approaching retirement, however they were recruiting 12 new apprentices, and looking to increase that number. Apprenticeship quotas were also built into contract tenders. These were promoted to local people.

-       In relation to section 4, numbers of communal heating repairs outstanding, it was confirmed that previously those repairs were dealt with in a more responsive way, however going forward a new strategy would be developed to be holistic and targeted. A stock review would be taken, a capital survey and they would cross-analyse repairs data to support future planning.

Landlord Services Update (incl. rent collection data)

Caroline Boguzas, Lead Officer/interim Head of Housing, introduced the paper. The following was discussed:

-       Officers confirmed that all changes to the contact centre aimed to make the service more accessible to residents; contact options included WhatsApp, video calls, photos, language accessible, deaf resident access, and there was still a phone line option for residents who needed it.

-       In relation to the section 2.6 on page 30 of the agenda, chart of visit form data, a member asked for a breakdown of what advice neighbourhood officers were providing in the 298 Repairs Advice Given forms. Officers agreed to find more granular information of that data, and stated that since the introduction of visits, the number of enquiries had increased.

ACTION BY: Head of Repairs and Operations

-       In response to resident’s concerns, officers stated that there would be a future project piece and communications to residents about the repairs service to the over 65s. They would be reviewing the criteria and ensure the enhanced service was reaching those in need.

-       Officers confirmed they were focussing on ensuring residents were in the right size accommodation, and support and incentives were on offer to those who wanted to downsize. There was also a Mutual Exchange programme. It was noted by officers that any action by the Council had to be in-line with the Housing Allocation Policy.

-       Officers confirmed that Housing Officers were referring and signposting residents to the Special Welfare Rights Teams and other services to seek financial advice, in the cost-of-living climate.

Housing Transformation Update

Caroline Boguzas, Lead Officer/interim Head of Housing, stated that all five new heads of service positions had now been appointed, who would all be starting in May 2023. A more detailed structure chart would be provided when available.

Additional comments in other areas – Estate Walkabouts

Councillor Sylvia McNamara asked if there was an audit of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Report of the Head of Programmes, Housing.

In line with the DMC funding guidelines, TRAs will be asked to provide an update to the meeting regarding the progress of agreed bids, including an update on the associated spend. TRAs are invited to circulate any relevant information in advance through the clerk.

TRAs are encouraged to submit bids as soon as possible, so they can be properly assessed and prepared by officers, ready for submission to the DMC. TRAs are reminded that verbal bids cannot be accepted at DMC meetings as, in line with the guidelines, officers need to be able to assess bids before passing them to the DMC.

For more information on DMC bids, please see our webpages: www.camden.gov.uk/dmcbids.

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Landlord Services.

Tara Cookson, Neighbourhood Manager, outlined the bids received. She stated that the Abingdon Close estate bid should be corrected from £3,500 (as written in the agenda) to £5,110.

RESOLVED –

THAT the following requests be approved.

ACTION BY: Neighbourhood Manager

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Report of the Head of Programmes, Housing.

To provide an update on local issues.

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Programmes, Housing.

In response to a request from the Chair, officers confirmed they would find out which estates did not currently have Gerda security panels fitted and make an officer led bid to install the panels on those estates.

ACTION BY: Neighbourhood Manager

Report of the Cabinet Member for Better Homes

To receive an update report on housing issues in the Borough.

The update from the Cabinet for Better Homes was taken as read.

To note the programme of dates listed below (all at 6.30pm):

Tuesday, 13^th June 2023

Tuesday, 5^th September 2023

Tuesday, 28^th November 2023

Wednesday, 10^th Jan 2024 (meeting held jointly with the other DMCs)

Tuesday, 5^th March 2024

RESOLVED –

THAT the programme of dates, as listed in the agenda, be noted.

There was no urgent business.