communities committeecommittee.worcester.gov.uk/documents/s45440... · 31-dec-2018 current status *...

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Communities CommitteePerformance Report

Communities Projects and Actions 2019/20

Action Status

Cancelled

Overdue; Neglected

Unassigned; Check Progress

Not Started; In Progress; Assigned

Completed

Tennis in the Park - facilities improvementSponsor Alice DaveyDue Date 30-Mar-2020Original Due Date

30-Mar-2019

Current Status

Planning application submitted today.

Following outstanding prior to tender for capital works and operator:

• STRI - layout drawing and preliminaries and bill of quantities for Gheluvelt • Legal and procurement meeting scheduled 17.07.19 to review all procurement and contract documents • Tennis network doodle poll submitted for date to be confirmed for September 2019 • First Tennis Network joint community event completed outside Guldhall on Saturday 13.07.19 - waiting for event summary in September, over 200 contacts secured

Expected Outcome

Community Development and Engagement StrategySponsor Alice DaveyDue Date 31-Mar-2019Original Due Date

31-Mar-2019

Current Status

A report seeking approval to consult on a Worcester City Community Development & Engagement Strategy was taken to Communities Committee in May 2019 and valuable feedback provided by Members which has been worked into an updated version and which will go out to public consultation in early August 2019.

Following consultation being reviewed and the draft strategy updated a further report will be presented to Communities Committee in October 2019 seeking approval to adopt and implement the policy.

Expected Outcome

Appendix 1

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CCTV upgrade - procurement and implementation of capital improvementsSponsor Alice DaveyDue Date 31-Mar-2020Original Due Date

31-Mar-2020

Current Status

Initial stages of procurement process have now been completed and which has and will continue to be supported by an external subject matter expert. 3 companies have been selected and asked to provide final bids by the end of August 2019 for final assessment. It has been confirmed that the University of Worcester will not be contributing towards capital costs of project however the council and UoW continue to work closely together in respect of public/student safety and UoW continue to financially contribute (digital upgrade works inc. repair and maintenance) via the s.106 agreement in respect of Castle Street development.

Expected Outcome

City Centre Public Space Protection OrderSponsor Alice DaveyDue Date 31-Jan-2020Original Due Date

31-Jan-2020

Current Status

The public consultation exercise in respect of this proposal ended in late April 2019 with almost 1000 responses being received. This consultation feedback has now been reviewed and additional data is being sought from partner agencies around a number of the areas consulted on to try and accurately understand the impact of those areas of ASB consulted on and the range of existing powers at the disposal of agencies to tackle such issues. This will assist officers in developing a final proposal which in consultation with Chair/Vice Chair of Communities Committee it has been decided to bring to Committee in October 2019 so that a detailed appraisal of options can be presented.

Expected Outcome

Delivery of 3 affordable housing developments in the CitySponsor Nina

WarringtonDue Date 31-Mar-2020Original Due Date

31-Mar-2018

Current Status

2 of the 3 schemes have already been delivered at Ambrose Close (37 units) and Tintern Avenue (8 units). The 3rd scheme at Hopton Street has now received planning consent for 25 units (this being reduced down from 36 units in order to mitigate against flood risk). The disposal of the development site has been approved at P&R Committee and officers are currently negotiating heads of terms with the registered housing provider who will develop properties. The project plan indicates works to commence on site by September 2019 with full completion by the end of 2020.

Expected Outcome

Funding made available to address Health Inequalities in the homeless population in the City

Sponsor Nina Warrington

Due Date 31-Mar-2020Original Due Date

31-Mar-2020

An agreed business plan for spend of this budget has been defined and agreed. The following elements of this are in progress:

Housing First type model being developed, with a significant proportion of this funding supporting the delivery of this model Current Status

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Worcestershire Housing First Workshop being held on 1st July, speakers are attending from the MHCLG, Homeless Link, Local Authorities and Housing Providers with experience of delivering Housing First. This event will be used to develop a model for Worcestershire.

Specification being developed for research into the health and wellbeing impacts of hidden homelessness, in particular temporary accommodation.

In progress

SLA with Act on Energy to be amended to reflect additional funding allocated to support additional grants to residents.

Completed

Community Services developing an IT system to manage and monitor their caseload - funding requirements to be confirmed.

Completed

Remaining funding to be allocated to projects which meet the needs of local priorities identified in the Worcester City Health & Wellbeing Plan 2019-21, to be taken to Communities Committee in July 2019.

Draft Healthy Worcester Plan is being taken to Communities Committee on the 24th July 2019. This will identify the priorities. Following public consultation and agreement on the Plan the remaining funding will be made available for small grants to support the delivery of the defined priorities.

Expected Outcome

Re-provision of Countywide Single & Childless Couple Homeless ServiceSponsor Nina

WarringtonDue Date 01-Oct-2019Original Due Date

30-Sep-2019

Current Status

A final specification for this service was consulted on with Chair & Vice Chair of Communities Committee as per the Committee approval granted in May 2019. The invitation to tender for this service was advertised on 24th June 2019 with closing dates for bids within 28 days. A multi-disciplinary group will score tenders submitted and the decision to appoint a provider will be undertaken in consultation with Corporate Director Homes & Communities and the Chair / V Chair of Communities Committee.

Members will be kept up to date on progress in between Committee meetings via briefing notes.

Expected Outcome

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Phase 1 - Implementation of Oldbury & Bromyard Road Temporary AccommodationSponsor Nina

WarringtonDue Date 30-Sep-2019Original Due Date

30-Sep-2019

Current Status

Acquisition of these 2 properties continues with 145 Bromyard Road having already been handed back to the council from Sanctuary Housing Group and completion (lease) on Oldbury Road expected towards the end of July 2019.

Bromyard Rd - A range of surveys have been carried out at the property with a number of small items identified that require resolution by 3rd parties (i.e. utility companies) and officers are awaiting confirmation of completion dates. Officers from Property Services and Housing Services have finalised design plans for Bromyard Road and building contractors will now be procured ASAP.

Oldbury Rd - Final stages of legal negotiations regarding lease agreement and service level agreements are underway. Whilst this is finalised officers are developing tenancy support documents and policies in readiness for 'go live'.

Expected Outcome

Review of Additional Licensing (HMO) SchemeSponsor Nina

WarringtonDue Date 01-Sep-2020Original Due Date

01-Sep-2020

Current Status

An internal officer project group has supported this piece of work and developed an evaluation report which has reviewed the impact of the Additional Licensing Scheme as requested by Members when the original scheme was approved in 2015. Several agencies have contributed t this piece of work including Worcestershire Regulatory Services, University of Worcester and West Mercia Police. It is intended to present a report to Communities Committee in October that includes the evaluation report referred to above and a recommendation in respect of the scheme moving forward.

Expected Outcome

Re-commissioning of Independent Living ProjectSponsor Lloyd

GriffithsDue Date 31-Mar-2020Original Due Date

31-Mar-2020

Current Status

This cross Worcestershire project is supported by multi-agency governance and project groups led by the Corporate Director of Homes & Communities and the Head of Housing Services respectively. Scope of services and funding are in final stages of development and a draft specification will in the next few weeks be submitted to Governance Group for sign off and onward tender exercise.

A draft commissioning/procurement strategy has been developed and recently shared with potential bidders (16th July) via a market engagement event held at our Guildhall.

A group of officers have been set up to look at exit/transition to ensure that little or no impact is felt by residents who would benefit from this service.

Expected Outcome

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Prevention Services (Supported Living/ housing for vulnerable tenants)Sponsor Nina

WarringtonDue Date 31-Mar-2019Original Due Date

31-Dec-2018

Current Status

* Investigate feasibility of delivering a homelessness prevention education programme in schools - the education programme has been developed and the training in schools will be provided by the Detached Youth Team Manager, Ann Nicholls. commenced at the beginning of May 2019.

The Private Sector Early Intervention Service commenced 15th April 2019. Briefing note has been prepared for all councillors.

The work within this action is fully complete - an earlier request asked that the due date please be amended to take account of the new end dates to complete the work. Agreed by the Housing Board.

Expected Outcome

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Communities Key Performance Indicators 2019/20

PI Status

Alert

Warning

OK

Unknown

Data Only

Number of Community events supportedDescription: Number of events in community venues supported by the community

engagement team - includes weekly walks

RAG Current Value 47

Aim to Maximise Current Target 50

Sponsor Alice Davey

133 community events were supported during Qtr 1 and numbers per month since the beginning of the year take on a seasonal upward trend which historically peaks in August each year. Of these 133 events 99 were assisted by the Council in some capacity but delivered by 3rd parties. 28 of the events were held on council owned public open space (i.e. parks). Events held included Community Dog Walks, Brickfields Fair, Canalside Festival, Healthy Walks & Volunteer Thank You Event.

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No. of Small Community Grants awarded - One WorcesterDescription: The One Worcester Community Grants is open to community groups and

voluntary sector organisations working across the city of Worcester. Up to £2,000 in match funding is available from this grant. The focus of this grant scheme is to support project;• To connect more people to opportunities in the areas of learning skills, training and employment • To empower individuals, groups and organisations with capacity and skills to enable them to better identify their needs and play a fuller part in contributing to their own well being and development

RAG Current Value 2


Sponsor Alice Davey

2 x 'One Worcester' grants (maximum £2k) were awarded during Qtr 1 to the value of £3.6k out of a total budget pot of £25.7k. 4 bids are pending to the value of £6.2k and which officers will support applicants with around eligibility to ensure the best chance of success. Officers will continue to update Members in respect of grant funding allocations via regular briefing notes.

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No. of Small Community Grants awarded - Small VolunteerDescription: Worcester City Council recognises the importance of volunteering in building

strong and connected communities. A focus of this grants pot will be to support organisations to increase the role and value of volunteering in their own individual organisations and the communities in which we serve. This grant will match fund pound for pound (up to a maximum of £1,000) projects that increase volunteering within Worcester City.

RAG Current Value 1


Sponsor Alice Davey

1 x 'Small Volunteer' grant has bee awarded during Qtr 1 to the value of £150.00 out of a total budget pot of £6..6k. At the time of preparing this note 1 bid was pending to the value of £1k. Officers will continue to support grant applicants around eligibility to ensure best possible chance of successful bids. Officers will continue to keep Members up to date in respect of grant allocations via regular briefing notes.

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Total number of crime incidentsDescription: Total number of recorded crimes reported to West Mercia Police within

Worcester

RAG Current Value 2,260

Aim to Minimise Current Target

Sponsor Alice Davey

There was a reduction in the number of crimes and incidents reported to WM Police in Worcester during Qtr 1 compared to the same period over the previous two years. Further work to understand the breakdown and location of these crimes and the role that agencies including the Council can play around prevention and protection will be discussed at the South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership and the Safer Worcester group and will inform 2019/2020 action plans.

Number of anti-social behaviour (ASB) incidentsDescription: Number of recorded anti-social behaviour incidents reported to West Mercia

Police within Worcester.

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Sponsor Alice Davey

In line with seasonal trend the number of ASB incidents reported to West Mercia Police and recorded increased in Qtr 1 from 1312 to 1400 incidents. Partnership work between the agencies of the Safer Worcester group has resolved the localised issues and provided support for local businesses affected. Further analysis of the type of reports and location of reports will be discussed by South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership and Safer Worcester Group with a view to developing 2019/2020 multi-agency action plans.

Active participation at leisure centresDescription: Active participation at Perdiswell, St. Johns, Nunnery Wood leisure centres

(and Worcester Pool previously)


Aim to Maximise Current Target 186,807

Sponsor Alice Davey

It is pleasing to report that in Qtr 1 the number of active visits to our leisure centres is 12,631 above target due mainly to the continued growth of the swim school which is currently at circa 2,000 weekly participants. In addition to swim school Freedom have achieved year on year growth in casual swimming and group exercise in excess of 20%. Freedom remain vigilant to the competition from local low cost gyms in what is now a very competitive market.

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Number of sport and play activities participantsDescription: Number of participants engaged in sport and play activities


Aim to Maximise Current Target 8,563

Sponsor Alice Davey

It is pleasing to report that in Qtr 1 the number of participant's taking part in sport & play was 524 over target and this can be linked to Freedom's on-going ‘Wake-up with Freedom’ School Sport programmes and their on going Active Ageing offers. In total this quarter Freedom have delivered ‘Wake-up with Freedom’ sessions in 7 out of the 8 schools they are currently engaging with.

Number of affordable housing completionsDescription: The number of new units of affordable housing completed in the quarter. This

includes both new build units and units purchased off the open market by housing providers for the provision of affordable housing.

RAG Current 0 Sponsor Nina Warrington

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Value


This is an annual KPI reported on formally in Qtr 4 update. At this stage of the year although there have been no further completions in Q1 a pipeline of units which gained planning consent during 2018/2019 are now in construction phase with many due to complete later this year.

Percentage of households whose homelessness was preventedDescription: The percentage of households that approached the Council for housing advice

who were threatened with becoming homeless that the LA has helped so they did not become homeless.LHAs will talk to anyone who presents to them who is threatened with homelessness to understand what has led to their current situation. This will help the LHA identify and then take steps that they can take that have a reasonable prospect of helping prevent homelessness. These reasonable steps could be something like providing a rent deposit or negotiating with a landlord to keep a household in their present accommodation.

RAG Current Value 41%

Aim to Maximise Current Target


It is pleasing to note that in Quarter 1 of 2019/2020 our prevention success rate has increased to 41% (72 out of 177 households who were classed as being at risk of homelessness) mirroring the 43% recorded in the same period of 2018/2019.

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Percentage of households whose homelessness was relievedDescription: When households are either already homeless when they approach the council

or the LA cannot prevent their homelessness the Council has a 56 day duty to help relieve their homelessness. This is the percentage of households who are assisted by the Council to find alternative accommodation within this period

LHAs are required to take reasonable steps for 56 days to help to relieve homelessness by helping the applicant to secure suitable accommodation. The reasonable steps would be similar to those provided at prevention stage, for example provision of a rent deposit for new accommodation or help with family mediation.




During Qtr 1 the Council accepted 177 households as being at risk of homelessness (prevention phase 1 - 56 days) and were able to prevent homelessness for 72 households (41%) as reported in previous graph.

The remaining 109 households would then have moved into the 'relief stage' of the process (phase 2 - 56 days) and provided with temporary accommodation by the council. During this relief phase a further 67 households (38%) were supported by the council and were found alternative accommodation thus relieving their homelessness.

Those remaining households (42 or 21%) at the end of the relief phase who would be determined as unintentionally homeless and who we owed a housing duty to would be granted priority banding in respect of Home Choice Plus (housing waiting list) but would continue to be supported by the council in respect of temporary accommodation until a property became available.

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Homelessness Resolution (Preventions and Relief)Description: The number of people who presented as homelessness or threatened with

homelessness and to whom we owed a duty against the number of presentations that are prevented or relieved of homelessness.

RAG Current Value 133



The total number of customers who approached the service to receive housing advice during Q1 was 415. Of these, 177 were determined as “reason to believe homeless/threatened with homelessness”. The team were able to find an alternative housing solution or prevent 72 of the 177 (41%) households from actually becoming homeless. 30 of these prevention cases were young people. The remaining households were placed in temporary accommodation (relief duty) and officers continued to work with them to find an alternative housing solution succeeding with a further 67 (38%).

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Percentage of HMO’s licensedDescription: The total number of HMOs licensed as a percentage of the total number of

suspected HMOs in the city.


Aim to Maximise Current Target 70%


The % of HMOs licensed remains consistent at 70% (of circa 1100 properties) licensed. It is recognised that the remaining 30% is down to natural churn, of renewals, new HMO properties, HMO properties changing use and a small proportion of unidentified. The completion of a new stock condition survey is being proposed for this year. This will provide an up to date number of HMO dwellings in the city.

During Q1 2019/20, the Private Sector Housing Team issued 16 new licences and 11 licence renewals.

38 unlicensed HMO cases were opened during the quarter, the majority of which were found through officer investigation (29 cases). Of the remaining, 5 were reported by the general public, 2 from other Council departments and 2 came via the Emergency Services.

During the quarter, 29 unlicensed HMO cases were closed. Of the closed cases, 23 were found not or no longer to be HMOs (2 of which have been flagged as repeat offenders for further follow up), 5 were found to be HMOs and have submitted licence applications and 1 requested a Temporary Exemption from licensing (while the property is sold).

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Category 1 Hazard RemovalDescription: Number of private sector dwellings where Category 1 hazards are removed

through Council intervention.Hazards are identified following a HHSRS inspection of the property: category 1 hazards are a serious and immediate risk to a person's health and safety; category 2 hazards are less serious or less urgent. Local Authorities have a duty to remove all Category 1 hazards from the property and have a power to remove Category 2 hazards.intervention

RAG Current Value 0



There have been 39 inspections during the quarter, which will include licenced HMO inspections, new City Life properties and disrepair complaints. The inspections carried out did not result in any Category 1 hazards being identified. There have also been no housing, health and safety rating inspections requested by Care & Repair Worcestershire (CRW), the home improvement agency. A range of mandatory and discretionary grants delivered via the CRW can be used to address Category 1 & 2 hazards.

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Category 2 Hazard RemovalDescription: Number of private sector dwellings where Category 2 hazards are removed

through Council intervention.Hazards are identified following a HHSRS inspection of the property: category 1 hazards are a serious and immediate risk to a person's health and safety; category 2 hazards are less serious or less urgent. Local Authorities have a duty to remove all Category 1 hazards from the property and have a power to remove Category 2 hazards.

RAG Current Value 0



There have been 39 inspections during the quarter, which will include licenced HMO inspections, new City Life properties and disrepair complaints. The inspections carried out did not result in any Category 2 hazards being identified. There have also been no housing, health and safety rating inspections requested by Care & Repair Worcestershire (CRW), the home improvement agency. A range of mandatory and discretionary grants delivered via the CRW can be used to address Category 1 & 2 hazards.

communities committeecommittee.worcester.gov.uk/documents/s45440... · 31-dec-2018 current status *...

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