Issue - meetings

To receive the report from the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Members in accordance with Standing Order 31 setting out any key or significant issues arising from any matter within the responsibility of Cabinet.

NOTED the report and accompanying update provided by the Lead Member for Housing and Welfare Reform highlighting the following in relation to her portfolio:

·             Successful completion of the Estate Cleaning service being bought back in-house;

·             The ongoing consultation being undertaken in relation to proposed changes to the Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme along with the Council’s commitment to maintain the current level of investment at £28.9m in recognition of the important assistance being provided through the scheme for many residents;

·             The celebrations being planned to mark the 100-year anniversary of the Addison Act having been passed;

·             The recent and planned provision of additional council and affordable social housing across the borough.

The Mayor referred Members to the written report which had been circulated with the agenda providing updates from the Leader and Cabinet Members related to their portfolios. He then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader of the Council, to present the update report reminding Members that once completed he would move straight on to deal with questions from opposition and other non-cabinet members, which would include the opportunity to ask questions of relevant Cabinet Members.

Councillor Muhammed Butt thanked the Mayor for his introduction and advised that he would be asking Councillor Southwood, as Cabinet Member for Housing & Welfare Reform, to lead on the update with a focus on housing related issues.

Councillor Southwood began her update by advising that she was delighted to be able to report that the Council had now completed the process of bringing the estate caretaking service back in-house, enabling better conditions for staff and better services for tenants.  She then moved on to highlight the progress being made with regard to consultation on the Council Tax Support Scheme with the Council committed to maintaining the current level of investment in recognition of the important assistance being provided through the scheme for many residents.  Members were also advised of the celebrations being planned to mark the 100-year anniversary of the Addison Act before finally being informed about the delivery of new council homes in Queens Park as part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to the provision of additional council and affordable social housing across the borough.

Having completed her update, the Mayor advised that the time available for this item had expired and it was therefore RESOLVED to formally note the updates provided by the Leader and Cabinet prior to moving on to the councillor question session.