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Minutes of ACF Meeting
Present: - Wendy Farmer (Chair), Bridget Orman (Vice-chair & Secretary), Fred Bathurst, Rose Boden, Bill Bone, Keith Bones, Sue Holland, Paula Kinsella, Elsie Kitson, Sue Lane, June Molton, Tony Morris, Stan Reed, Brian Smith, Edna Wye, Barry Maxey (Tenant Participation Officer) and Alex Marsh (Tenancy Services Manager). Welcome and introductions
Wendy welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies
Apologies were received from Bruce Andrews, Ruth Andrews, George Jones, Brian Higgins, Sylvia Page, Tania Page and Ann Seldon. 3. Introductory Tenancies Alex explained that the council are considering bringing in Introductory Tenancies for new tenants. These would give tenants the same level of service but with reduced rights, such as no Right to Buy, right to mutually exchange or right to carry out alterations in their home. Introductory Tenancies would apply to all tenants who are new to Adur Council but not to existing tenants who are transferring to another property. Introductory Tenancies have been available since 1996 and in the areas where they have been used, the evidence suggests that they do not lead to an increase in evictions but can help with reducing rent arrears and anti-social behaviour. The Introductory Tenancy would last for twelve months but could be extended by a further six months if there were issues to resolve. As with secure tenancies, an Introductory Tenancy can only be brought to an end by obtaining a court order. The council would have to prove to the court that it has taken all possible steps to resolve any problems but if a tenant is evicted, they would be regarded as intentionally homeless and the council would discharge its responsibility towards them. Members were asked to vote on the proposal to bring in Introductory Tenancies and the motion was carried unanimously. 4. Minutes of the last meeting 18th September 2008 The minutes were agreed.
Matters Arising
There were some queries about the new requirement for individual ACF representatives to obtain nominations from people living in their area. Barry to discuss these with the individuals concerned.
Brian said that he may be willing to take on responsibility for the Millennium Garden if it is planted with low-maintenance shrubs. Greenscape have also been asked to quote for maintaining the garden on behalf of the ACF.
The Lancing Parish Hall has been booked for this year’s Christmas Social on 4th December, with catering being provided by Mo from the Civic Centre. Those attending this year will each be given tickets for three complimentary drinks, which the ACF will contribute towards.
6. Treasurer’s Report There was no Treasurer’s report as the Treasurer, Ruth Andrews, had just come out of hospital and was not present at the meeting. 7. Bids for Environmental Improvements Brian asked if alterations could be made to the path and ramp outside the entrance to the electric vehicle store at Marsh House, as users are finding it difficult to manoeuvre their buggies in and out. Barry to ask the Maintenance Officer to advise on it. 8. Cabinet Agenda Item 6 – Sheltered Housing Review Tony said that SHARP (Sheltered Housing Action Review Panel) had voted unanimously in favour of the recommended Option 2 at their last meeting. He said the main concern of sheltered residents is about what will happen to the scheme managers’ accommodation and whether these will be used for sheltered housing. Other issues of concern are that scheme managers who cannot drive should be accommodated within the changes and that there is little provision within the existing staffing levels to cover long-term sickness or job vacancies. In this respect, the ACF would like to see some agreement whereby agency cover would be provided in these circumstances. Item 7 – Transfer Incentive Scheme The ACF support changes to this scheme to encourage better use of existing stock.
9. Reports of the Sub-Committees i) Compact Monitoring Group A draft version of the revised Compact is in the process of being produced and the Compact Monitoring Group will be consulted on this. The Forum
The newsletter is due to go to print shortly but contributions from residents associations are still welcome. Articles for future editions were also discussed and it was agreed to include one on the history of Shoreham. Adur Leaseholders’ Forum
Bill said the last ALF meeting had been cancelled due to ill health. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 11th February 2009. SHARP
The main issue at the moment is the Sheltered Housing Review and this had already been discussed as part of the Cabinet agenda above. Questions were raised about the amalgamation of schemes and it was confirmed that, under Option 2 of the report, amalgamation will only apply to schemes with less than 30 residents. AiP
Ruth Andrews, the AiP representative was not present at the meeting, so there was no report on the activities of this group. 10. Any Other Business Barry reminded those present about the Defend Council Housing national conference that will take place in London on 25th November 2008.
As the next meeting of the Cabinet on 27th January 2009 will contain a report on proposed rent increases for next year, it was agreed to bring forward the date of the next ACF meeting to allow members time to consider the report. The council’s Finance Manager will be asked to attend the meeting to give a presentation and to answer any questions.
The evening raffle raised £15.00 for ACF funds.
11. Date of next meeting The next meeting will be held at 7.00pm on Thursday, 8th January 2009 at the Southwick Green communal lounge.
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