Agenda item

Michael Carley, Bath Against Cuts made a statement to the Panel on the subject of the Bedroom Tax. He asked the Council to consider adopting a no evictions policy in relation to the tax as under the Housing Act it has an obligation to protect the vulnerable.

He expressed his concern over the prospect that the tax would force people out of their homes even though in some cases the ‘spare’ room may hold medical equipment, such as dialysis.

The Chairman thanked him for his statement and said he was aware that meetings had been held between the Council and the largest social housing provider in the area on the matter.

David Redgewell, South West Transport Network made a statement to the Panel. He said that he was grateful for the recent developments at Southgate relating to the Travel Centre, Toilets and Bus Shelters. He added that he felt further signage should be in place in relation to the car park at Bath Spa station and that a height bar should also be introduced.

He commented that a detailed transport framework was required to enable the work associated with Bath Western Riverside and the Core Strategy.

He asked for it to be noted that he was disappointed that the format of reporting Major Projects had changed and asked if that could be reconsidered for future meetings of the Panel.

The Chairman thanked him for his statement.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson addressed the Panel. She wished to ask two questions and make a statement. A copy of both can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book, a summary is set out below.

1)  I would like to know what can be done about the appalling conditions in damp in the maisonettes in Springfield Crest, Tyning, Radstock? The matter has been raised with Curo, but seemingly to no effect although the tenants are keeping their homes in an exemplary state of tidiness and decoration. Damp is everywhere, water is running down the walls and I think the housing inspector should call.

2)  In the national press the situation has been highlighted where a quota of affordable housing has been agreed but then, after the planning consent has been given, the developer reneges on the commitment to 35% or whatever the authority concerned’s policy is. What is happening in B&NES? Do we have a shortfall in properties not being built when they should be?

‘The river and canal dwellers are B&NES residents, as much as those dwelling in houses. I want to see pioneering new local government policies both for those who choose this way of life, because of its freedom and closeness to nature, and those who need a more settled existence because of ill health or their small children but cannot afford rents and mortgages on land.

I am therefore disappointed that although the Cabinet Members accept much of the case made in this report, and some of its recommendations, so much of the thrust of the recommendations is deferred. I appreciate that the Council has limited resources but deferring matters until April 2015 before the next elections is unacceptable.

We have here the opportunity to innovate to help those who live afloat or just want to enjoy the scenery at weekends – and building their needs into the Placemaking Plans, the SMAA and economic development is something this Panel ought to drive forward.’

Councillor Tim Ball replied that he had passed Councillor Jackson’s concerns relating to Springfield Crest, Radstock to the Housing Team. He added that he would prepare a response to the January meeting relating to the % of affordable houses being built within the Council.