Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Lanie Shears.

Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any items on the agenda.

None.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2024 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

Any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

Councillor Dan Swords asked if the third party works which were in progress had now stopped. David Morrisey - Managing Director - HTS Group Ltd, advised they have issued notice, and this was progressing.

To review the Sub Committee’s work plan

The Sub Committee received its work plan.

RESOLVED that:

i)             The HTS Group Statutory Accounts from 2023/2024 would be added as an item to the April Sub Committee meeting

ii)            That the Tree Survey and Works update be bought as an item to the April Sub Committee

iii)           Noted the need for an additional item for the Forward Plan in April to get a progress report from the Partnering Advisor 4i Solutions

The Chair will move that the following item be taken in private session on the grounds that it is likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as specified under Paragraph 3 of Part One of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, if and so long as in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

RESOLVED that the following items be taken in private session on the grounds that they are likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as specified under Paragraph 3 of Part One of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, if and so long as in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing information.

Paragraph 3: Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

The Sub Committee received a report on the HTS Group – Quarterly Business Report.

In response to a question about progress on reducing the back log of overdue roofing and guttering jobs, David Morrissey advised that currently HTS are 83 jobs behind the schedule of clearing 80 jobs a week. Of these, the majority are because the job has either not been identified by the sub-contractor as complete or has not been post inspected by HTS. David suggested that the actual number of jobs behind the improvement plan schedule is closer to 15-20.

David Morrissey advised that there is a daily review of progress by the HTS team, and he meets with the team weekly to ensure performance stays on track.

Councillor Dan Swords reminded the meeting that the Council requirement is for no repairs to be outside of the Councils target time by 31March 2025.HTS are aware that the backlog of overdue works must be cleared by 31 March 2025.

David Morrissey reported a significant volume of no access calls, despite the tenant being made aware of the appointment several days before the visit.

Councillor Dan Swords made the comment that there was no update on Environmental Services performance in the HTS update. The only commentary was in the Executive Shareholders report.

Councillor Nicky Purse asked how the Priority Response team is performing and how the team is being resourced. David Morrissey advised that the team has been sourced by utilising existing resources from within HTS.

In response to a question about the change notices and the requirement to cut the grass every 10 working days, David Morrissey advised that he had submitted a proposal to the Executive Shareholder lead with six options. Five of the six options would require the Council investing more resource. This is being discussed at the HTS Board on 10th February 2025.

RESOLVED that:

A         The Shareholder Subcommittee reviewed the Quarter 3 HTS performance pack and consider the overdue works and financial recovery plans submitted.

B         The Shareholder Subcommittee noted and approved the change in number of tenanted homes for acquisition by the Council to two.

The Sub Committee received a report on the HTS Business Plan Update.

Councillor Dan Swords made a general comment that the measures were too subjective and were open to interpretation about whether or not they are achieved. Andy Belton - Non-Executive Chair, HTS Group Ltd agreed and suggested this is something that the HTS can consider when the plan is updated.

David Morrissey advised that four actions are complete, twenty seven actions are on track for completion by the end of March 2025, seven actions will be partially complete and one action for the Capital works team is being deferred in agreement with the Council.

In response to a question about the efficiency saving target of 5%, David Morrissey confirmed this was equivalent to £600k and that he expected a saving of £500k by 31 March 2025. This is predominantly coming from reducing head count. In response to a further question on this David confirmed that not filling some vacant roles was not having a detrimental impact on services.

David Morrissey confirmed that all HTS staff would have a formal Performance Review undertaken by the end of the year.

In response to a question about shared services and co-location of HTS with Council colleagues at the Civic Offices, David Morrissey advised that consultation with those staff impacted has commenced. Council staff will also co-locate with HTS at Mead Park.

RESOLVED that:

A         The Shareholder Subcommittee noted and commented on the report.

The Sub Committee received a report on the HTS Financial Recovery Plan.

Andy Belton advised that the intention is for HTS to fund a large proportion of the projected £1.455 million from a combination of efficiencies and use of the HTS reserve fund.  Andy advised that the HTS Board will review the plan and arrangements at the meeting on 10^th February 2025.

RESOLVED that:

A         The Shareholder Subcommittee noted the report.

Such other business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be received as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the minutes.

None.

29 April 2025.