To notify the Chairman of any items that appear later in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

Members had no interests to declare.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th April 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th April, 2007 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive.

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive detailing progress to date from Cabinet’s Response and Action Plan following consideration of its recommendation arising from the Regeneration of Older Private Sector Housing Review Group.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

G. Wood, Regeneration Manager, Mrs. D. Hedley, Housing Strategy Manager also attended the Committee to give a presentation regarding the progress.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Members were reminded of the background and recommendations provided by the Review Group, the number of documents that had been identified and were important in supporting the recommendations and the scheme. The process the Review Group followed highlighting the number of proposals made and to which recommendation they supported.  It also highlighted the various proposals and strategies to deliver housing-led Regeneration specifically to Dean Bank and West Chilton and how the projects would be phased, identifying the funding needed and how the scheme would be delivered both internally and externally.

The Committee was informed that although a light touch approach had been agreed with regard to securing empty properties, it had not been successful.  Consideration therefore needed to be given to boarding/ bricking up the properties.

With regard to options for those residents needing to be rehoused and issues regarding equity, it was pointed out that an independent financial adviser had been appointed.  Staff were currently being trained and training would be available for Members in the future.  With regard to equity issues it was agreed that Members be issued with a document to update them of the situation.

A question was raised regarding Three Rivers and whether they were involved in the scheme.  Members were informed that they were involved mainly in Ferryhill Station.

Discussion was held regarding the Neighbourhood Management Scheme that was implemented with the Master Plan at Newton Aycliffe.  It was pointed out that it had been an excellent scheme, however, as it was removed and not replaced after its three-year life span, the area had again begun to decline.  It was suggested that it be taken into consideration during the Master Plan for Ferryhill.

Finally discussion was held regarding Selective Licensing and the need to consider selective tenants.  It was explained that the legislation would be rolled out in the areas with most need, within the Master Plan, however, if it was successful then it could be rolled out to other areas.

AGREED :             1.            That the Committee was satisfied with progress of the Action Plan for the Overview and Scrutiny Review for the Regeneration of Neighbourhoods with Older Private Sector Housing.

                        2.            That the Committee reviews the progress of the Action Plan in six months.

To note Cabinet’s response to the review.

Consideration was given to the progress to date from Cabinet’s Response and Action Plan following consideration of its recommendations arising from the Provision of Affordable Housing Review Group.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Members of the Committee noted the progress.

AGREED :            1.            That the Committee note the response of Cabinet to the recommendations of the Review together with the implementation timetable outlined.  

                        2.            That the Committee reviews the progress on the Action Plan in six months.

To note Cabinet’s response to the review.

Consideration was given to the progress to date from Cabinet’s Response and Action Plan following consideration of its recommendation arising from the Leisure Centre Concessionary Pricing Scheme Review Group.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Members of the committee noted the progress.

AGREED :         1.         That the Committee notes the response of Cabinet to the recommendations of the Review together with the implementation timetable outlined.

                        2.         That Committee reviews progress on the Action Plan in six months.

To consider the attached report of the Chairman of the Committee.

Consideration was given to a report of the Chairman of the Committee setting out the Committee’s Work Programme for consideration and review.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Consideration was given to an item referred from the Strategic Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider funding for CCTV camera contributions as a future item on their Work Programme.  It was pointed out that the Committee had received a presentation in October, 2006 regarding CCTV which included funding arrangements.  The Committee, however, requested that an update report be presented to a future Committee.

AGREED :   1.   That CCTV be included as a future item within their Work Programme.

                        2.   That the Work Programme be noted.