Agenda and minutes

Members of the committee should declare any interests which fall under the following categories:

a)    disclosable pecuniary interests (DPI);

b)    other significant interests (OSI);

c)    voluntary announcements of other interests.

There were no declarations of interest. 

To consider and approve, as a correct record, the minutes of the meetings held on 29 November and 7 December 2021. 

The minutes of the meetings held on 29 November and 7 December 2021 were approved and signed by the Chairman. 

To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 16 November 2021 and 18 January 2022. 

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2021 and 18 January 2022 were approved and signed by the Chairman. 

Report OS/21/13 reviews the use of fixed term tenancies for council housing lettings, to cease using fixed term tenancies and to return to using secure tenancies in the Council’s social housing stock.

Report OS/21/13 reviewed the use of fixed term tenancies for council housing lettings, to cease using fixed term tenancies and to return to using secure tenancies in the Council’s social housing stock. 

Members’ comments included: 

• Good to see robust procedures in place.
• It was noted that rent arrears and other tenancy breaches are dealt with using other mechanisms.
• Tenant engagement for introductory tenancies.  Standard action is that a minimum three visits are made in the first year.  A suggestion made that a flowchart is produced showing procedures. 
• If approved by Cabinet, the next step is to decide whether to let existing fixed term tenancies run their course or to convert these to secure tenancies, a better option for tenants.  

Councillor Wing raised a question about private landlords and unsecure tenancies, the Director of Housing and Operations advised this would come under Housing Options rather than the Council’s Housing Service, further details would be provided. 

Proposed by Councillor Peter Gane

Seconded by Councillor Miss Susan Carey; and

RESOLVED: 

1. That Report OS/21/13 be received and noted. 

2. That this Committee’s support be noted for Cabinet to consider    approving the amendments to the FHDC Housing Services Tenancy Policy that will allow for the cessation in issuing fixed term tenancies and the reversion to the use of secure tenancies for permanent council housing lettings. 

3. That this Committee’s support be noted for Cabinet to consider authorising officers to investigate and implement the most effective way to convert existing fixed term tenancies to secure tenancies. 

(Voting: For 5, Against 0, Abstentions 0)

A presentation to be given to committee members on the forthcoming proposals to be put in place a new revised Dog Control Public Space Protection Order and to renew the Community Safety ASB Public Space Protection Order.

Members were taken through the forthcoming proposals to be put in place for the new revised Dog Control Public Space Protection Order and to renew the Community Safety ASB Public Space Protection Order based on the presentation which is attached to these minutes. 

Generally the discussion concentrated on Dog Control and beaches.  Members comments and questions were as follows:   

• Data to be provided on dog fouling and failure to pick up offences  It would be helpful for residents to see this information. 
• The data could also include numbers of littering offences and other PSPO offences committed.. 
• Members were advised that numbers and types of FPNs issued are publicised, if court action is taken, then further details are publicised.
• Enforcement officers cover the whole district every day, concentrating on hotspot areas, for example, the Coastal Park.  
• Beaches – a possible change from prohibited seasonal areas for dogs to daily timed bans where dogs are prohibited from beaches from 9am to 6pm.  This would not affect all beaches.  The public consultation would provide views on this. It was also mentioned the publication of other areas to walk dogs in the district along with information leaflets and website updates.  
• Bins – more signage is planned and additional staff on patrol during busy seasonal weekends.  Dog waste bins are provided within the district, however it is important that all dog owners understand any public bin is a dog waste bin.
• The Senior Area Officer mentioned the proposed launch of the “Responsible Dog Ownership  competition – recognising dog owners that pick up after their dogs– given a ticket – win a ”love to shop” voucher.  Officers were keen to ensure a continued positive light is relayed to residents and visitors of the district in ensuring restrictions are adhered to. 
• Problems had been encountered with motorbikes using play areas in Cheriton as dirt tracks.  The Community Safety Specialist said she will look into this problem and explained that this is primarily a Police Matter as they have different powers to stop vehicles, but she would work with the Police to investigate further. Officers reminded members of the importance of reporting offences, including timings, descriptions and photos if possible to help officers be at the right place and time. 

Members, including Portfolio Holder, Councillor Mrs Hollingsbee, thanked officers present at the meeting for the information and looked forward to the update at the next meeting in April.  Also, thanks was given to all officers who undertake this difficult and challenging work. 

Councillor Wing paid particular thanks to Mr Giles Barnard, Senior Area Officer, for the work that he and his colleagues carry out. 

Proposed by Councillor Peter Gane

Seconded by Councillor Miss Susan Carey; and

RESOLVED:

That the information given based on the presentation with regard to the forthcoming proposals to be put in place for the new revised Dog Control Public Space Protection Order and to renew the Community Safety ASB Public Space Protection Order is received and noted. 

(Voting: For 5; Against 0; Abstentions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.