Issue - meetings

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance presented a report, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, proposing changes to the management of the housing service.

A number of consultation responses had been received since the agenda was published and these were circulated to Members electronically prior to the meeting and in hard copy at the meeting. The Chair briefly adjourned the meeting to ensure that Members were given the opportunity to read the additional information provided.

During the course of the debate, Members and Union representatives raised concerns regarding the loss of experience and expertise that the removal of the posts of Service Manager, Housing and the Housing Needs Manager may result in, the ability of the new structure to manage increasing workloads and complexity of the service, particularly in light of legislative reforms, and the appropriateness of the competition process for the post of Development and Regeneration Manager.

Following debate, Members wished Officers present to pass comments on to the Head of Paid Service reflecting the strength of feeling among Members that it would be considered to be a disservice to lose the expertise and experience of the members of staff currently in post. Members took on board the comments of Union representatives present and the at risk post holders regarding the inability of the Housing Needs Manager to apply for the ring fenced Development and Regeneration post due to lack of necessary experience.

RESOLVED:

To recommend to the Chief Executive that consideration be given to placing the Service Manager, Housing, into the role of Development and Regeneration Manager to ensure that the Council does not lose housing needs and strategy specific experience and expertise.