Apologies received from Ruby Wilkins (Dalmuir TRA), Stefan Kristmanns, (Housing Development Co-ordinator), Nicola Pettigrew ( Housing Operations Manager) and Councillor Hazel Sorrell ( Vice Housing Convener).
In terms of MSF noticeboards being updated with HO details, Jane advised that the one at West Court was in a letter format so small text and didn’t stand out and suggested a template be provided for HOs to use – the notice at Dunswin Court was much clearer – done as a poster, larger print and on yellow paper. Scott agreed to get a template provided for HOs.
Amanda shared a presentation on the Council’s Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategy. Statutory duty to have a strategy and aim is to reduce greenhouse gases by 2030, as far as reasonably possible, reduce fuel poverty by 2040 and have net zero emissions from buildings by 2045. It’s a long term strategy - starts with collecting data , identifying areas to focus on and then how to deliver. Positive development in Clydebank is the WD Energy Centre- Scotland’s largest water source district heating system.
West Dunbartonshire’s LHEES going to be consulted on starting in March and will be looking for tenants’ views. Once the LHEE delivery plan is created, it will develop as technology and best practice evolves and will be updated at least every 5 years.
Amanda will let Jane and Ana know the consultation plans once they are finalised to promote to tenants- will last for 6 weeks.
Update shows the number of sensors been installed as well as the number of inspections carried out following a tenant report of dampness as well as number of follow up repairs completed.
Gurpreet highlighted the response he had had since the press release on the programme and is a key HRA investment.
Agreed to continue to monitor progress.
Process set out but wasn’t followed in the example the WDTRO had put forward – Alan advised that isn’t a complaint they have had before so it had been a one-off but has been rectified now.
Performance improving and majority of targets being met. Agreed to continue to monitor.
Number of calls abandoned went up as volume of calls went up but average queue time is still much lower than before – around 2.5 minutes. Longest queue times still a concern – between 42 and 48 minutes. Agreed to continue to monitor.
Ana updated that the new walkabout process in place and will use the spreadsheet to monitor updates and aim is to ensure that all walkabouts are done consistently well and are effective.
Gurpreet raised issue of having the right officers at the walkabout and all sections should be represented – Scott advised that that not always possible, but all issues would still be recorded and raised with the relevant team. Ana confirmed that this is why the action plans and monitoring progress was important to ensure all issues get dealt with.
Harry reiterated that the Tullichewan walkabouts have been worthwhile and very effective.
John advised that there were 3 main papers going to the Housing & Communities Committee on 28/2.
Council’s report on the HRA rent setting published today (22/2) and going to Council budget setting meeting on 6/3/24.
Brunswick, Montreal and Quebec – demolition slightly delayed to May as need to carry out a bat survey and can only be done at certain times of the year. Contractor on site doing prep work. Before any redevelopment, need to assess the site fully to see what can feasibly be developed there.
Clydebank East – going well and first hand over of new homes should be in August.
Pappert – on site next week and contractor starting on the carpark ahead of planning permissions.
Good progress on rest of sites and are set out in the HACC paper and can be discussed in more detail at the Pre-HACC Forum on Monday 26/2. For Buybacks have a full-time officer working on them since 15/1 so will be able to meet target of 60 purchases a year.
Spring edition of the Housing News is being designed and due to be posted out to tenants 22/3 and link to the web version will be sent to staff.
Joint Rent Group continue to meet and next full JRG is on 21/3. Any comments about the rent setting information that was used this year to be passed onto Jane - want to continually improve the info as need to get the balance right between providing enough info for tenants to make informed choices and it be understandable.
WD Scrutiny Panel have started a new scrutiny exercise and are looking at the repairs journey from a tenant reporting a repair to it’s completion and focusing on non emergency repairs. Once they finish, they will share their report with the HIB and WDTRO.
TRA update- Ana continuing to support the TRA‘s and focus remains on boosting their numbers. Spring TP Update will also be issued out to staff, councillors and TRA members next week.
Been working alongside the gypsy/traveller group who this week went to the Scottish Parliament with colleagues for a screening of a film highlighting gypsy/traveller rights and there is also a visit to the Dennistoun Forge site arranged for councillors on 28/2.
As part of the ongoing support provided to TRAs, a training session was organised on positive speaking and confidence building to help people contribute at meetings effectively as well as motivating their members at their own meetings and it was well received.
WDC’s Tenant Participation Strategy is due for review this year so are beginning to plan how we will do that and will be looking for views from tenants and staff so that we can continue to develop TP and ensure that it is as effective as possible.
Scott advised that they were looking at the ASB Strategy and already collected views through the Citizen Panel and second consultation will start in mid-April. The ASB Strategy is a key umbrella document for all partners. Scott will liaise with the WDTRO to get their views on the draft Strategy.