Kevin Dykes, Community Engagement
Minutes:
Alice Orr-Ewing, Resident Involvement Co-ordinator, Housing Strategy
Alice explained that about 70 different community conversation events were taking place as part of the Housing Commission. Southwark has about 39,000 council properties and another 15,000 leaseholders. It was the largest social landlord in London.
The Localism Act 2011 had led to changes in the way councils look at housing finance and how council housing can be allocated. There were currently no preferred options but residents at this stage were being asked for their views on how the council should move forward. In October 2012 an independent housing commission was set up to look at plans for Southwark’s housing stock beyond its existing 2015/16 strategy. It would be an investment strategy for up to 30 years.
At this point in the meeting, residents took part in some interactive voting on the way forward for council housing in Southwark.
In July 2013, a report would go to the council’s Cabinet which would include information on the feedback received from local residents.
Councillor Ian Wingfield said that it was important that tenants were more aware of the council services available and the things that could be done to improve their homes.