Agenda and minutes

No declarations were received.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Derbyshire and V-A Diouf.

The Assistant Director – Housing and the Housing Options Manager attended to provide members with an update on how Chesterfield Borough Council’s (CBC) Housing Service had prepared itself for the introduction of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017; the Act came into effect in April 2018.

The Housing Options Manager provided members with data on the total number of accepted and prevented homelessness duties during the last three years.  Figures showed that CBC had successfully decreased the number of homelessness duties accepted in this time by 78 per cent, which coincided with a 166 per cent rise in prevented duties.

The Committee were provided a summary of the key changes that had been introduced in response to the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, including:

·        An extension to the period classified as “threatened with homelessness” from 28 days to 56 days;

·        A new duty to try to prevent instances of homelessness for a further 56 days, regardless of priority need;

·        A new duty to provide “relief” for 56 days where prevention is not possible or has been unsuccessful;

·        A duty to assist all care leavers within the Derbyshire area who approach the CBC;

·        A duty on other public bodies to refer any cases of homelessness, or those that include the threat of homelessness, to CBC;

·        A requirement for the Housing Options service to tailor its approach to meet the needs of each specific client group, and develop a ‘housing pathway’ for each group.

Members were advised that a new Homelessness Case Management IT system had been procured, which was specifically designed for the new legislation.  The system was anticipated to deliver significant support for completing the additional administrative work arising from the new legislative requirements.

The Assistant Director – Housing informed of CBC’s involvement with the North Derbyshire Homelessness Forum.  The Forum provides a platform for CBC to discuss ideas and best practice with neighbouring authorities, statutory bodies and third sector agencies, to respond to increased cases of homelessness. 

The Housing Options Manager provided detail of some major pieces of work had arisen from meetings of the Forum.  Work included the development of a hub to act as a single point of access for “chaotic” individuals and complex needs cases, and allow for quicker, more holistic responses.

In addition, work had also commenced on the development of a night shelter, intended to be operated throughout the winter period as needed, to provide greater support to those experiencing homelessness in Chesterfield.

RESOLVED –

That the update be noted.

5.40pm – Update on Economic Growth

The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Assistant Director – Economic Growth, and Economic Development Manager attended to provide members with an update on the overall economic position of Chesterfield, and on the numerous ongoing significant developments across the borough.

The Assistant Director – Economic Growth began the update by providing members with a broad statistical overview of the current economic position within Chesterfield, and informed that:

·        There were approximately 3,275 businesses and 50,000 jobs located within Chesterfield, with the majority of employment opportunities arising from the public services and retail sectors;

·        The business base in the borough had increased by approximately 18 per cent between 2011 and 2016, which was slightly below the national average but comparable for similar regional areas;

·        There were higher rates of adult and youth unemployment reported in Chesterfield compared to regional and national figures;

·        Schools across Chesterfield had achieved an above-average performance in GCSE results compared to the national average.

The Committee heard that the CBC’s Economic Growth service, in conjunction with other key partners, was building on the unique offer of living and working in Chesterfield and using it as a competitive advantage to secure more incoming businesses, future jobs and increased skills development.

The Assistant Director – Economic Growth provided members with updates on the progress of a number of key economic development programmes ongoing across Chesterfield, including Chesterfield Waterside, Northern Gateway, Peak Report, Markham Vale, Staveley Corridor and the HS2 Station.

Members were advised that town centres across the country, including Chesterfield’s, faced a number of challenges to ensure that they could sustainably thrive and adapt to changing trends and competition from other centres. 

The Assistant Director – Economic Growth informed that a Visitor Economy Action Plan is in development; intended to transform the scope and quality of the town centre offer in Chesterfield, attract more visitors and further improve the town’s economy.

RESOLVED –

That the update be noted.

6.40pm – Scrutiny Project Group updates:

·        Development of the site of the old Queen’s Park Sports Centre

·        Leisure, Sports and Cultural Activities

·        Play Strategy

Development of the site of the old Queen’s Park Sports Centre

Councillor Simmons, Scrutiny Project Group Leader, attended to update members on the position and progress of the project group.

It was noted that a formal planning application had not yet been submitted; delays in receiving further information from Historic England and the project consultants had impacted on the intended timescales.

Leisure, Sports and Cultural Activities

The Chair advised that no further information or update was available, pursuant to Minute No. 42 (Enterprise and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee, 2017/18).

Play Strategy

The Committee considered the initial scope and aims of the Play Strategy Scrutiny Project Group and discussed whether these had been achieved. 

Members agreed that the Scrutiny Project Group had completed its initial project aims, and that the Lead Member should explore options for finalising and concluding the SPG.

RESOLVED –

1.   That the updates be noted.

2.   That options be explored to formally finalise and complete the Play Strategy Scrutiny Project Group.

3.   That the two Scrutiny Chairs discuss the issues experienced by the Scrutiny Project Group on the ‘Development of the site of the Old Queen’s Park Sports Centre’ with the Assistant Director – Health and Wellbeing.

6.50pm – Update on Forward Plan of Key Decisions

Please follow this link to the Forward Plan to view the most recent and up to date version

The Forward Plan was considered.

RESOLVED –

That the Forward Plan be noted.

6.55pm – Work Programme of the Enterprise and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee attached.

It was noted that the Work Programme for 2018/19 would be submitted for approval and adoption at the next meeting of the Overview and Performance Scrutiny Forum on 8 May, 2018.

RESOLVED –

That the Work Programme be approved.

7.00pm – Monitoring Schedule attached.

The Monitoring Schedule was considered.

RESOLVED –

That the Monitoring Schedule be approved.

7.05pm – Update on Housing Revenue Account Steering Group.

Councillor Perkins provided an update on the activity of the Housing Revenue Account Steering Group, and noted the success of the STAR Tenant Satisfaction Survey that was undertaken in October 2017. 

A total of 1079 tenants had responded to the survey, and an additional 243 attended the joined-up ‘roadshows’ that were organised by the housing service.

RESOLVED –

That the update be noted.

7.10pm – Minutes of the Enterprise and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 27 February, 2018 attached.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Enterprise and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee held on 27 February, 2018 were presented.

RESOLVED –

That the Minutes be accepted as a correct record and be signed by the Chair.