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

No declarations of interest were received.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 25^th November 2008.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 25^th November, 2008 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the attached Action Plan detailing progress against recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Review of the Provision of Affordable Housing.

Consideration was given to a report detailing progress to date on the Cabinet’s response and action plan following consideration of its recommendations arising from the Provision of Affordable Housing Review.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was explained that the Head of Community Services was present at the meeting to outline progress and respond to any queries.

Members were reminded of the background to the Review and recommendations provided by the Review Group, the action plan which had been drawn up and suggested timescales.

Details on progress of each action were outlined.  It was explained that some areas were completed whilst others were still ongoing.

With regard to the key recommendation on the adoption of a local definition of affordable housing, it was explained that a definition had been agreed and was currently in use in relation to all relevant planning applications.  The definition could be subject to adjustment in terms of Local Government Reorganisation.

In respect of a Housing Needs Assessment and house price data it was noted that a Durham Housing Market Assessment had been published in December, 2008.  This Assessment replaced the previous Housing Needs Survey.

Reference was made to the implementation of a Choice Based Lettings Scheme.  It was explained that Sedgefield Borough Council had worked in partnership with other County Durham District Authorities to produce a Durham Key Options Common Lettings Policy which had been approved by Durham County Council’s Cabinet in December, 2008.

With regard to the formalising of links with Registered Social Landlords, in respect of nominations, it was reported that a formal nomination agreement with all Registered Social Landlords had recently been agreed.

The Committee was informed of progress in relation to the recommendation on working to ensure effective use of private sector stock through regeneration and action to bring empty properties back into use.  It was explained that a Selective Licensing Scheme covering Dean Bank and West Chilton had been implemented in February, 2008.  86 licences to date had been awarded.  A Landlord Accreditation Scheme had been launched in May, 2008.  An Empty Homes Strategy had also been devised and approved by Sedgefield Borough Council’s Cabinet in October, 2008.

Members noted that the publication of a Supplementary Planning Document had been overtaken by Local Government Re-organisation.

In respect of the production of model Section 106 Agreements this had been completed and the Council now used that model.

During discussion of this item a query was raised regarding the criteria for the Provision of Affordable Housing and in particular the number/ percentage of properties to be provided on new developments.  In response it was explained that discussions were held with the developers before reaching a figure.  It was extremely difficult to be prescriptive.  However, the Council have a strong evidence base to indicate to developers the need for affordable housing.

Reference was also made to local needs and in particular information contained in the Taylor Report.  Further information would be sought in relation to that report and the query would be responded to directly.

Cabinet Members then left the meeting to allow the Committee to deliberate.

AGREED :              That the Committee is satisfied that the actions following the Overview and Scrutiny Review on the Provision of Affordable Housing had been implemented or are ongoing and that no further reports are required.

To consider the minutes of the following meetings:-

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the meeting held on 29^th September, 2008 and 21^st November, 2008  (for copies see file of Minutes).

Members were updated on the public consultation exercise “Seizing the Future” which NHS County Durham were undertaking.  Durham County Council had undertaken a scrutiny review in relation to the consultation.  A report had been prepared which would be submitted to the County’s Health Scrutiny Committee and then forwarded to NHS County Durham.

AGREED :     That the Minutes be received.

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

Consideration was given to the Work Programme for the Healthy Borough with Strong Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee (for copy see file of Minutes).

It was noted that the State of the Borough Scrutiny Review final report had been submitted to Cabinet and recommendations agreed.  The report would be forwarded to the new authority.

AGREED :     That the Work Programme be agreed.