RESIDENT INVOLVEMENT REVIEW GROUP
Notes from the meeting on 20th October 2010
Present: Jeanette Marling, Lynn White, Celia Snowden, Colin Snowden, Charles Allum, Cynthia Collet, Catherine Agunede, Simon Aslett, Ann Stannard.
Apologies: Chris & Gwen Goldsmith.
Housing Services Forum on 2/12
Ann Stannard from Planning came to the meeting to talk about HIMO’s in preparation for the meeting on 2/12.
Ann outlined current planning guidance and explained that the government had introduced a change with effect from the beginning of October which means that HIMOs no longer need planning permission. MK and some other authorities are challenging this in the Court and news is expected very soon about whether this has been successful. Ann will give an update to the HSF on 2nd.
Ann’s team work closely with Roland Payne’s Private Sector team – Planning tend to look ‘outwards’ at the external provision and the community impact, whereas Roland’s team look ‘inward’ at the condition of the property itself. There is now a shared database that makes joined-up working much easier.
Ann’s team visit properties to assess things like bins and parking provision – they make these visits at a range of times to assess usage throughout the day/night/week-ends. The team often find that there is a perception about particular problem areas that is not borne out when inspections are made. NAGs can carry out parking surveys.
Fire safety is an issue for Roland’s team. He will need to bring an update to the meeting on 2/12, also to include an update on progress towards the landlords accreditation scheme. It would be useful if there could be some case studies to follow an application and see how the 2 teams work together.
The group thanked Ann for coming and felt the briefing had been very useful. Ann’s contact number is MK 254035. For general planning enquiries contact MK 252358.
MKC Tenants Group on 27th October
Simon outlined the agenda, which is:
§ Feedback from Maureen Parris re the Citizen Survey
§ Rent level next year and national changes to the HRA.
§ Local Standards for Neighbourhood Standard.
The microphone should be used at all times.
The Annual Report calendar should be sent to Parish Councils – Simon to progress.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 24th November at 10am at the TRC.