Agenda item

To host a discussion with David Loon (Head of Localities) regarding the services provided locally by Green Square Accord.

The Chairman introduced David Loon, Head of Localities for Green Square Accord to the meeting. After which, David Loon spoke to those at the meeting, which included the following points:

·       An overview of Green Square Accord was provided, with it noted that in his role of Head of Localities, Mr Loon was responsible for all of the tenancy and management of Green Square Accord stock, which included 8,000 homes in Wiltshire and around 450 homes in the Malmesbury area.

·       It was outlined that Green Square Accord wanted to attend the Area Board as an opportunity to reconnect with the Malmesbury area.

·       Mr Loon shared that Green Square Accord had introduced new initiatives including a Tenancy Skills Team, which was looking to help those struggling with such issues as rent arrears, child poverty and hoarding.

·       Information was provided that there is a dedicated Tenancy Enforcement Team for when issues arise and conditions need to be enforced, with support provided across all localities.

·       Mr Loon stated that his team is responsible for Age Designated Housing, identified for residents over 50, which are managed within one locality rather than a silo approach.

·       Regarding questions that had been received about customers moving, it was outlined that there is a free national database called HomeSwapper, which enables mutual housing exchange and is available to all Green Square Accord Customers.

·       It was outlined that Green Square Accord have their own Community Impact Fund, which can award grants of up to £500. Further information and guidance was included and attached to the minutes pack.

·       Recently new appointments in the Housing Services team had taken place, with a new Locality Manager and Housing Officer appointed. The contact details were provided for each as follows:

Simon Henstock (Locality Manager) Simon.Henstock@greensquareaccord.co.uk

Emma Cahill (Housing Officer) emma.cahill@greensquareaccord.co.uk

Following the verbal presentation there was time for the following questions and points to be raised:

·       It was questioned whether housing providers and developers have conversations about the local landscape, to which it was clarified that generally organisations have preferred areas and with new developments a lot depends on Section 106 agreements and whether the providers have grant funding. Additionally, there are opportunities for providers to speak to landlords regarding stock swaps and transfers.

·       Sympathy was shown towards housing providers having previously had to reduce rent amounts by 1% and now being unable to increase rent amounts due to the cost of living.

·       It was suggested that Green Square Accord make their customers aware of the voluntary services within the area, such as HEALs, Malmesbury League of Friends and Malmesbury Community Trust. All of which would be able to provide support.

·       An additional suggestion was received that a way of tackling anti-social behaviour in rural areas could be to move such tenants to a town environment which would have the resources to deal with such issues.

·       It was clarified that Green Square Accord does not have a policy to sell off rural properties and normally stock is sold when it is not economically viable to repair.