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AGENDA ITEM NO
REPORT TO: Executive Board
REPORT NO: CHPPO/113/06
DATE: 3 October 2006
LEAD MEMBER: Councillor Rodney Skelland (Social Affairs, Health
Housing)
LEAD OFFICER: Chief Housing and Public Protection Officer
CONTACT OFFICER: Andy Lewis (Tel 297005)
SUBJECT: Joint Local Authority and Housing Association Protocol
WARD: N/A
1. PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
For Members to consider and agree the joint protocol of partnership working between Local Authorities and Housing Associations.
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2.1 The Welsh Local Government Association has included Housing as one of its key priority areas for 2006/07.
2.2 As a key element in delivering on this priority the WLGA has been working with the WFHA to develop a protocol of partnership working.
2.3 It is clearly recognised that by working together Local Government and Housing Associations can maximise the housing opportunities for local people.
3. RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 That Members support the aims of the Joint Local Authority and Housing Association Protocol and agree to the Authority being a signatory to it.
REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
By signing the protocol the Authority recognises the benefits from joint working between Local Government and Housing Associations in order to maximise housing opportunities for local people.
Andy Lewis
Chief Housing and Public Protection Officer
4. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
4.1 The WLGA has been working with WFHA to develop a Protocol of Partnership Working between local government and Registered Social Landlords (RSL’s) designed to bring benefits to all communities in Wales.
4.2 The principles behind the protocol are:-
· developing regular and open communication at all levels of our organisations;
· improving our understanding of each others roles, responsibilities and cultures;
· focusing together on the needs of the local community;
· being open to opportunities for partnership working;
· co-operating on all aspects of housing services (including homelessness) and housing investment;
· demonstrating in a practical way the benefits that can be gained;
· building a joint vision of partnership and the local benefits it will deliver;
· celebrating and sharing the success of our partnership.
4.3 The Protocol of Partnership Working was signed on a national basis by Councillor Aled Roberts (Housing Spokesperson, WLGA) and Chris O’Meara (Chair, WLGA) in March 2006.
4.4 The Lead Members for Housing from North Wales Authorities met recently with Local Housing Association partners to discuss the benefits of joint working and all Local Authorities are being encouraged to adopt the protocol locally.
4.5 Within Wrexham we have recognised that a strong partnership with RSL’s is essential if we are to meet the housing challenge. Housing is becoming increasingly unaffordable, particularly for young people and levels of homelessness remain a major concern. By working together we can help to ensure that we not only improve housing opportunities but can also generate jobs, improve health and well-being and sustain strong communities.
4.6 In recognition of the benefits of joint working the Wrexham Housing Alliance has been established, which is a joint body, chaired by the Strategic Director (Health, Social Care and Well-Being and Sustainable Development) with representation from local RSL partners as well as representatives from other housing sector bodies including the Welsh Assembly Government.
4.7 The work of the Wrexham Housing Alliance is regarded as a positive development by all partners and a bid for recognition under the ‘Excellence Wales’ programme has been submitted to recognise the benefits from this partnership approach.
5. CONSULTATION
5.1 There has been no specific consultation on the adoption of the Joint Working Protocol although the establishment of the Wrexham Housing Alliance clearly demonstrates the acceptance of the need for joint working.
6. SCRUTINY COMMITTEE COMMENTS
6.1 The Scrutiny Committee has not been consulted directly on this proposal but the Committee has previously received presentations from RSL’s working within Wrexham and the benefits from collaborative working have been highlighted.
7 IMPLICATIONS
7.1 Policy Framework By improving the housing opportunities for local people, the joint protocol will contribute to improving the Health, Social Care and Well-Being of the people of Wrexham and improving the quality of peoples’ lives.
7.2 Budget There are no budgetary implications from this report.
7.3 Legal There are no legal implications from this report.
7.4 Staffing There are no direct staffing implications as a result of this report.
BACKGROUND PAPERS / LOCATION / WEBSITE INFO.1. None.