Issue - meetings

To scrutinise the Regulatory Portfolio, which covers the following areas:

·        Drainage

·        Land Charges

·        Planning Policy & Conservation

·        Private Sector Housing Enforcement

·        Housing and Homelessness

·        Planning Enforcement Policy

The Committee viewed a video presentation of the service areas covered by the Regulatory Portfolio.  Cllr Alan McClafferty reminded the Committee that his Portfolio covered the areas set out below and he highlighted some of the important issues facing the service:

·       Drainage

·       Land Charges

·       Planning Policy & Conservation

·       Private Sector Housing Enforcement

·       Housing and Homelessness

·       Planning Enforcement Policy

Cllr Alan McClafferty responded to questions relating to:

a)                  The relocation of families who had suffered abuse;

b)                  In relation to homelessness

i)                    the number of homeless persons in the Borough;

ii)                   the primary causes of homelessness; and

iii)                  ways to eliminate homelessness

c)                  Prioritisation of the Planning Enforcement Service;

d)                  The cost of housing families in temporary accommodation;

e)                  The accuracy of assumptions on the viability of affordable housing;

f)                    The location of accommodation used as bed and breakfast accommodation

g)                  Water recycling in new developments

Cllr McClafferty undertook to circulate a response detailing the cost of housing families in temporary accommodation before and after the grant reclaim.