Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Nicolson, Councillor Martin attended as a substitute, and from Councillors Banks and Orchard.

Councillor Smith was unable to attend the meeting due to technical issues.

To sign the minutes OSc/12/9/20 to OSc/22/9/20 of the meeting of this Committee held on 3 September 2020 as a correct record of these proceedings (copies previously circulated).

RESOLVED that the public minutes OSc/12/9/20 to OSc/22/9/20 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record of these proceedings.

Councillors Martin and Hanley were unable to vote on this item as neither had been present at the previous meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 3 September 2020.

To receive declarations of the existence and nature of any private interest, both disclosable pecuniary and any other registrable interests, in any matter to be considered or being considered.

No declarations of interests were made at this meeting.

Councillor Derbyshire, Housing and Health Portfolio Holder, will give a verbal update to Members.

RECOMMENDATION that the update be noted.

Councillor Derbyshire, Housing and Health Portfolio Holder gave a verbal update to Members in that:

1.    £513,003 Green Homes Grant (GHG) Local Authority Delivery (LAD) Scheme funding has been secured following a bid to Central Government. The bid was submitted in partnership with EON Energy. Eden DC was the only Local Authority in Cumbria to submit an application. Qualifying households can apply for up to £10,000 to fund installation of a ground source heat system. This scheme is to be publicised shortly but ten  households have already expressed an interest.

The timeframe for the scheme, which has been set by Central Government, is between October 2020 and March 2021; this may be extended due to COVID-19.

There will be a 2^nd phase of funding next year that will be open to bids.

2.    Heart of Cumbria is looking to lease more properties within Eden DC.

3.    Eden DC are currently working with a number of agencies to see how best to assist disabled residents in making their homes suitable to meet their needs.

Proposed by Councillor Hanley

Seconded by Councillor Lawson

and RESOLVED that the update be noted.

Councillor Derbyshire, Housing and Health Portfolio Holder, will give a verbal update to Members.

RECOMMENDATION that the update be noted.

Councillor Derbyshire, Housing and Health Portfolio Holder gave a verbal update to Members in that:

1.     COVID-19 has impacted on the rate of homelessness and domestic violence within Eden DC. There has been an increase in the number of people presenting as homeless due to family being unwilling or unable to accommodate them anymore. A further increase in demand is anticipated as the economic impacts of the pandemic take effect.

2.     Eden Housing Association has received many comment from the public, complimenting them on the support they have given.

3.     Eden DC are currently aware of one rough sleeper within Eden, who had rejected accommodation offered to him, but are also aware that there are high levels of ‘hidden homelessness’ such as people ‘sofa surfing’.

4.     The Homelessness Strategy Steering Group has been set up and met for the first time in September 2020. This group will oversee the implementation of the Homelessness Strategy Action Plan.

5.     The review of the Cumbria Choice Based Lettings Policy, which involved all the District’s Local Authorities and Housing Associations has been completed. Choice Based Lettings allows residents to register for housing in one place rather than on numerous registers.

6.     An application for Next Steps Accommodation Programme (NSAP) funding has been submitted to Central Government.

7.     The Housing and Health Portfolio Holder asked the committee to consider ways in which Eden DC can communicate what homelessness support and other services are available for the public who are experiencing financial hardship and are at risk of homelessness eg through GP surgeries, Parish Councils etc.

Proposed by Councillor Hanley

Seconded by Councillor Holden

and RESOLVED that the update be noted.

To consider report G39/20 from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee which is attached and which sets out the current and possible future agenda items for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

RECOMMENDATION that any agenda items for the next or future meetings be agreed.

Members considered report G39/20 from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee which sought to set out the current and possible future agenda items for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Proposed by Councillor Hanley

Seconded by Councillor Clark

and RESOLVED that work plan for Scrutiny be agreed with the addition of the following items:

1.     The low level of bungalow building in the District, especially taken into consideration with regard to the Housing strategy;

2.     Progress on Castle Park;

3.     Wetheriggs Country Park and how it is progressing prior to transfer to Penrith Town Council – to be included in the Devolution to Parish Councils item for December; and

4.     Heart of Cumbria to be looked at in more depth.

There were no items of urgent business from the Chairman at this meeting.

The date of the next scheduled meeting of this Committee be confirmed as 03 December 2020.

The next meeting of the Committee was confirmed as 3 December 2020.