Agenda and minutes

Members are asked to declare any interests in the items under consideration and in doing so state:

(1) the type of interest concerned either a

(a)   personal interest

(b)   prejudicial interest

(c)    disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI)

and

(2) the nature of the interest concerned

If any member requires advice on declarations of interests, they are advised to contact the Head of Democratic Governance in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest on this occasion.

The Shareholder Committee agreed that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 3 ‘Shareholder Update’, Item 4 ‘Blackpool Coastal Housing Limited Update and Financial Performance’, Item 5 ‘Blackpool Coastal Housing Limited Key Performance Indicators’ (Draft Annual Report only) and Item 7 ‘Blackpool Housing Company Limited Financial Performance and Key Performance Indicators’ on the grounds that they would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

To receive a verbal update on the Council’s wholly-owned companies provided by the Shareholder representatives.

(This item contains commercially sensitive information which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

(The press and public were excluded prior to the consideration of this item as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

Mr Antony Lockley, Director of Strategy and Assistant Chief Executive and Mr Alan Cavill, Director of Communications and Regeneration were invited to provide an update on the Council Wholly-Owned Companies on behalf of the Shareholder.

Mr Lockley reported that the overall performance of both Blackpool Coastal Housing Limited and Blackpool Housing Company Limited (BCH) had been strong and that both Companies had provided valuable support to the Council in response to the pandemic.

Brief updates were also provided in relation to Blackpool Airport Operating Company Limited, Blackpool Transport Services Limited and Blackpool Waste Services Limited.

The Committee noted the update provided.

To inform the Shareholder of current financial performance and any key emerging issues and to prompt questions on key issues where appropriate.

(This item contains commercially sensitive information which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

(The press and public were excluded prior to the consideration of this item as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

Mr John Donnellon, Chief Executive, Blackpool Coastal Housing Limited (BCH), Mr Stephen Dunstan, Finance Director, BCH and Councillor Neal Brookes, Chair, BCH and Blackpool Housing Company Limited Board joined the meeting from this item.

Mr John Donnellon, Chief Executive, BCH provided an update on the day to day performance and finances of the Company.

The Committee noted the update provided.

To provide information regarding performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Blackpool Coastal Housing Limited.

(This item contains commercially sensitive information which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

(The press and public were excluded prior to the consideration of the appendix to this item (Draft Annual Report) as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

Mr John Donnellon, Chief Executive, Blackpool Coastal Housing Limited provided an update on the key performance indicator data. He noted that full customer satisfaction was collected every two years and it was being considered whether the frequency was appropriate. Each customer was also contacted following the completion of specific work in order to gather feedback.

In response to questions, Mr Donnellon advised that it was important to gather feedback and that the regulator would expect to see the data collected. He added that BCH had carried out a review of staff to ensure those employed were multi-skilled and able to carry out a range of repairs.

The Committee noted the update provided.

To inform the Shareholder of the implications of the social housing white paper.

Mr John Donnellon, Chief Executive, Blackpool Coastal Housing Limited presented the report to Committee and advised that there was not yet a date for the approval of the new social housing legislation. He added that the legislation increased the role of the ombudsman and introduced a new inspection process.

In response to a question, Mr Donnellon reported that a Compliance Officer was being appointed and that there would likely be increased costs to the Company in ensuring buildings were safe.

The Committee discussed the issue of sheltered accommodation in detail, noting the importance of a high standard of accommodation and support. The issues relating to ensuring housing stock met climate change standards was also noted. It was considered that a discussion was required on what the offer of sheltered housing should be and that representatives from Adult Social Care and Health would need to be involved in the discussion.

Shareholder Committee decision:

1.      To note the update report.

2.      To commission a study into the quality of sheltered housing accommodation provided by Blackpool Coastal Housing Limited and how residents in sheltered accommodation were supported.

3.      That Adult Social Care and Health representatives be included in the study and that the outcome be reported to the Shareholder Committee at a future meeting.

Reason for decision:

To ensure that sheltered housing provided by Blackpool Coastal Housing Limited was fit for purpose.

Other options considered:

To not carry out a study.

Date of decision:

26 November 2021.

Mr John Donnellon and Mr Stephen Dunstan left the meeting following conclusion of this item.

To provide the Shareholder with a progress update in respect of Blackpool Housing Company Limited.

(This item contains commercially sensitive information which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

(The press and public were excluded prior to the consideration of this item as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

Mr David Galvin, Managing Director, Blackpool Housing Company Limited (BHC) and Mr Paul Whitehead, Finance Director, BHC joined the meeting for this item.

Mr David Galvin, Managing Director, BHC presented the report to Committee and provided an overview of the financial performance of the Company and performance against the key indicators.

The Committee went on to consider the current position regarding Lumen Housing Limited and noted the funding it had received from Homes England.

The Committee agreed to note the report.

To note the date and time of the next meeting as Friday, 21 January 2022, commencing at 10.00am.

The date and time of the next meeting was noted as Friday 21 January 2022, commencing at 10am.