Issue - meetings

To consider the proposals set out within the governance review of the Homes and Neighbourhoods Service.

Contact: Philip Jones, Homes and Neighbourhoods

1)    That the service risks as set out at paragraph 2.12 of the report be noted.

2)    That the proposed structure as set out at paragraph 2.14 of the report be noted.

3)    That it be noted that the proposal includes (i) the change of title for Homes and Neighbourhoods Improvement Board to Homes and Neighbourhood Assurance Board (ii) delegation of the decision for timing of the name change to Portfolio Holder for Transport and Housing and Executive Director of Place (iii) the broadening scope of Homes and Neighbourhood Assurance Board to cover all areas of regulation (iv) the continued importance of the Tenant Led Panel as a bridge between the service and our tenant base (v) the addition of two new officer operational boards (Housing Capital and Revenue Investment Board and Service Quality Assurance Board) to cover risks as identified in section 4.3 and (vi) he broadening of scope of the Transformation Board to include data, and service culture workstreams.

(Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 36(1), Cabinet received  representations from Councillors Darwan, Scott and H Zaman).

Cabinet received a report which set out the outcome of a review of the governance arrangements for the Homes and Neighbourhoods Service. The report outlined a process of review that had assessed (i) the current format of governance, considering strengths and gaps (ii) the requirements of the regulator, reflecting upon the changing environment and implications for the service, and (iii) the current service risk register. Cabinet noted that the proposals sought to evolve the model of governance, while maintaining a critical focus on tenant scrutiny, and the role of the Tenant Led Panel.

It was also noted that strategic and key decisions would be referred to Cabinet, along with new policies and significant changes to policy. The report set out information on the approach to the review, service risks, the existing and proposed structures and the role of corporate and operational governance.

It was noted that the review process had sought to amend and develop the Homes and Neighbourhoods structure to ensure control over areas of significant risk and provide assurance to tenants.

RESOLVED –

1)    That the service risks as set out at paragraph 2.12 of the report be noted.

2)    That the proposed structure as set out at paragraph 2.14 of the report be noted.

3)    That it be noted that the proposal includes (i) the change of title for Homes and Neighbourhoods Improvement Board to Homes and Neighbourhood Assurance Board (ii) delegation of the decision for timing of the name change to Portfolio Holder for Transport and Housing and Executive Director of Place (iii) the broadening scope of Homes and Neighbourhood Assurance Board to cover all areas of regulation (iv) the continued importance of the Tenant Led Panel as a bridge between the service and our tenant base (v) the addition of two new officer operational boards (Housing Capital and Revenue Investment Board and Service Quality Assurance Board) to cover risks as identified in section 4.3 and (vi) he broadening of scope of the Transformation Board to include data, and service culture workstreams.