Agenda and minutes

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests declared.

(a)  To agree the minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 July, 2015

(b)  Matters Arising

The minutes of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Board (4) meeting held on 8 July 2015 were signed as a true record.

There were no matters arising.

Report of the Executive Director of Place

The Scrutiny Board considered a report of the Executive Director of Place, which provided an update on progress and outcomes in the first 12 months from the commencement of the contract.  A presentation was received from the Salvation Army who had secured the contract to manage the supported accommodation and floating support service for homeless service users (aged 25+) and ex-offenders (aged 18=) from 1 April 2014. 

The Board were advised that contract review meetings were held to monitor progress against the outcomes detailed in the contract specification against spend.  At the last contract review meeting held on 27 July the Salvation Army provided information which indicated that spend was in line with the expected outcomes of the contract specification.

The presentation from the Salvation Army included:

1.  Service performance

2.  Independent Quality Inspectorate – assessing standards

3.  Support for clients

4.  Outcome Star tool focused on ten areas of support – scored by client and key-worker

5.  Rough sleepers in the City

6.  Complex needs and housing first – clarification was sought on complex needs

7.  Increase of hostel provision

8.  Future plans – third scheme, family provisions and relocation of the Hub service

The Board questioned the officers on a number of issues and responses were provided, matters raised included:

a)  Consideration of alternative accommodation – locations were being indentified

b)  Government Inspection night – one night of inspection during the month of October.  Other areas have been inspected and a number of homeless had been identified and offered accommodation, food and wash facilities.

c)  Faith based communities helping by donating food as well as shelter; this was to be investigated further

d)  Implications of Housing Policy changes in London and subsequent influence on housing stock in Coventry – to be considered at an alternative meeting

RESOLVED that the report be noted and appreciated the support and work undertaken by the Cabinet Member for Community and Development, Co-operatives and Social Enterprise on this subject.

All outstanding issues have been picked up in the Work Programme

The Scrutiny Board noted that all outstanding issues had been included in the Work Programme for the current year.

Report of the Executive Director of Resources

The Scrutiny Board considered the Work Programme for 2015-16.

RESOLVED that the programme be updated with ‘Implications of Housing Policy changes in London and subsequent influence on housing stock in Coventry’.

Any other items of public business which the Chair decides to take as a matter of urgency because of the special circumstances involved.

There were no other items of urgent public business.