To receive and consider the report of the Director of Communities.

Jennifer Mullin, Director of Communities presented the report.

Work was underway to ensure that best practice was conducted. Learning Sessions were held and completed by the Select Move Coordinator. The council were engaged with partners to ensure the distribution of disability grants, and work was in progress with housing partners to decrease waiting lists, time frames and to streamline the process.

The White Paper was outstanding, and additional regulations were due by 2024. In the meantime before the enactment of the White Paper, the customer satisfaction and quarterly performance had been conducted and the first results were due imminently. Work was ongoing with the partners within Select Move to ensure that recommendations and the Charter were implemented.

There was an influx of concern with damp and mold for both private and housing association properties due to recent publicity of the risks and dangers associated with damp and mold. A specialist housing officer was appointed to inspect properties owned and rented by Housing Associations.

Members raised if it was procedure for the council to contact landlords when tenants reported environmental health concerns. It was noted that there were cases of vulnerable residents scared about potential retribution or recourse about making a report. It was confirmed that it was best practice, but there was uncertainty if it were a legal requirement but would return with clarification.

Resolved: That the report be noted.