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* Throughout these summaries we have in most instances used the word “tenant” to signify both tenant and leaseholder. SUMMARY OF CASP MINUTES MONDAY 29th NOVEMBER 2010 CAMDEN FEDERATION OF TENANTS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (CFTRA OFFICES) 6.30-9pm
CASP Committee Members Present: PD, MCA, DR, RF, MC, MCO, TE
Apologies: GA, JM, LB, LD
The following items were raised and discussed:
LBC Street Property Estate Officer (EO) pilot scheme – update:
Ø A discussion to place about the progress of the LBC street property EO pilot scheme which was now coming to an end.
Mandy Berger, an EO based in Kentish Town attended the final meeting in order to give her perspective – MB only managed LBC street properties and volunteered to hold a number of sessions with staff around the borough in order to share her expertise.
The impact of the proposed changes to housing management was also discussed and it was agreed that any recommendations coming out of the report would need to take these into consideration, especially as it was being proposed that the role of EO’s could change quite dramatically (i.e., become more community based).
It was generally agreed that very little consideration had been given to the scale and impact of the cuts, especially those around reforms to the housing benefit system which the government appeared to be pushing through without any consideration on the impact on communities – it was essential that more work needed to be done in order to assess the ‘real’ impact of these changes.
A report on the EO pilot scheme would be produced and the Association would need to discuss its contents with its wider membership, possibly at the Association’s AGM.
Ø The proposal to close DHO’s and replace them with touch-down facilities and the impact this would have on the wider community was also discussed, although it was agreed that the matter would be covered in more detail at the DMC’s.
Ø The issue of a possible merger of services with Islington was also discussed as well as the issue of the complete lack of consultation over the issue, although it looked like enthusiasm for the idea was decreasing.
December cycle of DMC’s – discussion
A discussion took place regarding the above agenda.
Ø Of particular interest to CASP was the report which focused on how Camden responds to complaints about noise.
It was agreed that the Association would continue to be guided by the recommendations approved by its members in February 2010.
It was also agreed to raise the important issue that the HASC scrutiny panel was considering setting up a formal scrutiny panel to look closer at this complex issue. (Post-meeting note: It was formally agreed by the HASC scrutiny panel on 13/1/11 that it would formally set up this panel following the completion of the three remaining time limited panels on Leaseholder Service Charges, Decent Homes and Repairs and Tenant Participation. (Post-meeting note: HASC scrutiny committee announced at its meeting on 13/1/11 that it would definitely be setting up a panel on ‘noise nuisance, although the exact terms of reference still needs to be agreed).
Ø It was also noted that an item on the proposed closure of the DHO’s was also due to be discussed.
Ø A further update on Camden’s review of the caretaking service would also be useful (timescale, etc) as some members receive and pay for a caretaking service.
Ø It was noted and discussed that the annual rent setting meeting would take place in early January 2011.
Decent Homes and Repairs Scrutiny Panel
It was discussed and agreed that any evidence / deputation on behalf of CASP would be taken from the Association’s response to the Camden Street Properties Report.
The following points would be submitted as evidence:
Ø The high level of disrepair cases amongst LBC street properties might have been avoided if the needs of LBC street properties had been higher up Camden’s agenda; Ø Street property repairs are often determined by the design and age of the properties, as well as other factors such as properties being situated in conservation areas; Ø The conversion of some properties has caused an overloading of some items such as drains, guttering and pipes (internal and external); Ø As such, many of these properties are not purpose built, therefore repairs to such properties are more specialized; Ø Due to heat loss in the winter months, it was important to have a planned maintenance programme in place, especially to treat wooden window frames which are prone to rotting; Ø Original property plans should be easily accessible to contractors, so that time was not wasted on locating pipes, drains, stopcocks, etc – this had also been raised by some members as an issue under Health and Safety; Ø The quality and cost of repairs remains an important issue to both tenants and leaseholders; Ø The lack of technical knowledge displayed by some Camden repairs staff remains an issue, especially as some repairs to street properties can be more specialized due to the age and design of the properties; Ø Concerns were still being raised about the lack of ‘checks’ carried out by Camden Council once a repair has been completed; Ø Emergency call-outs during weekend periods on services such as heating and hot water should be followed up by an inspection visit from Camden; Ø More work needed to be done to support disabled, vulnerable and elderly to access a responsive repairs service, as many CASP members reside in properties which are scattered and often isolated and do not receive a traditional caretaking service; Ø Concerns were raised about the impact on in-house repairs staff who are being asked to assist in situations where sub-standard works have been carried out by Lake House and Apollo, especially the impact this has on Camden’s repairs budget; Ø The standard of work in void properties requires further attention; Ø It was recommended that Repairs / DHO’s hold a simple log which includes details of repairs carried out in each property; Ø Adequate staff training should be offered to ensure that a more response repairs service is delivered to vulnerable, disabled and elderly tenants. Ø Camden should carry out a separate but detailed report on how street property repairs are identified, carried out and costed as this might help to address some of the issues raised around the standard and cost of repairs to our properties. Camden might then want to investigate how to deliver a more responsive and cost-effective repairs service to Camden Council tenants and leaseholders; Ø Any report would need to include an item on scaffolding, as tenants and leaseholders continue to raise the issues around cost and security, as well as the length of time scaffolding can be in place. Ø The issue of penalty clauses against contractors for non or poor performance was also raised. (Post-meeting note: RF presented evidence on behalf of the Association on 2/2/11. MCA and TE had also presented additional evidence with other CASP members).
CASP Annual General Meeting
It was announced that the Association had been successful in its application for a Grassroots Community grant to help contribute towards the cost of its annual news item – the Association had been awarded 2, 436.20 – it had not been awarded the full grant but this amount would help enormously during these difficult time.
A number of ideas / possible agenda items were put forward and discussed about the Association’s AGM which would take place in March 2011.
Camden Association of Street Properties February 2011
SUMMARY OF CASP MINUTES MONDAY 25th OCTOBER 2010 CAMDEN FEDERATION OF TENANTS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS CFTRA OFFICES 6.30-9pm
CASP MC members present: PD, DR, MCA, MC, RF, GA, TE, LD, YG
Apologies: JM, LB
Guests: MCO (SP tenant, West Hampstead), John Anderson, Head of Housing Support Group, Camden Council.
The following items were raised and discussed:
MCO spoke briefly about her work as a member of a local Decent Homes Residents’ Panel – she was congratulated by the group for the work she and her colleagues do to support tenants around this issue – she would also observe the work of the group and might possibly ask to be co-opted at a later meeting.
It was also noted that MCA was attending the DH strategic meetings at the Town Hall in order to support fellow street property tenants having these works / engage in relevant discussions regarding these works.
It was noted that a meeting had taken place with Tom Preest, Head of Community Safety, Camden Council, in order to have an initial discussion around LBC street properties and Community Safety issues – the outcome of the discussion would help to inform a future meeting and agenda.
Support for vulnerable tenants who live in LBC properties etc.
John Anderson had been invited because of his role and involvement in supporting vulnerable tenants in Camden’
JA gave a lengthy presentation and circulated a number of handouts and answered questions raised by members of the Committee which included the following:
Ø Clarification was sought on the issue of how different agencies communicate when supporting vulnerable tenants in the wider community, including supporting tenants to successfully maintain their tenancies; Ø The issue of a possible merger between Islington and Camden was raised and the likely impact this would have on services; Ø Were all tenants afforded equal treatment in the provision of services? Ø As a large number of agencies appeared to be doing similar work, would it not make economic sense during these difficult times to further centralize their work? Ø Have Camden Council ever considered doing a break-down of property types in order to determine whether some properties pose more of a challenge when delivering services due to their design, housing management arrangements (i.e., no caretakers, etc) and geographical location? Ø It was important to know at what point could Camden intervene in a situation whereby a vulnerable tenant was refusing to engage with support services, especially if other tenants in a property were expressing concerns? Ø In view of Camden’s intention to push further ahead with the ‘personalization’ agenda, what alternative support could Camden offer tenants who are unable to be supported to use the new system? Ø With impending cuts to many Council services and reforms to the housing benefit system what support was available to assist vulnerable tenants cope with the changes, especially if tenants are asked to vacate their properties and move out of the borough?
The Association would also collect written responses to the questions in order to provide members with a brief on the subject, as the ‘recycling and LBC street properties’ item had proved very useful for members.
Progress on time limited scrutiny panels
Tenant Participation
PD had presented ‘evidence’ on behalf of the Association – general info about CASP and how it was serviced by the TP team.
It was commented that the aim of the exercise appeared to be a cost-cutting one, to look at how services might be provided and improved but at less cost, especially in light of the impending cuts which would affect all departments.
Decent Homes and Repairs
DR reported that a template was in the process of being drawn up in order to assist groups who wish to give evidence – the Association would give ‘evidence’ at a later date.
Leaseholder Service Charges
GA and MC had attended one of the panel meetings and found it interesting. In future, the emphasis was for more billing and other info to be on-line – a number of CASP members had expressed an interest in taking part in the sessions.
The additional items were also raised and discussed:
Ø The Association had been contacted by SD in response to an enquiry regarding an item on DH post works inspections on electricity installations – these were currently taking place at a rate of 10% and a discussion had taken place about whether this should be higher in view of a number of concerns which had been raised – Association to be kept informed as matter progresses.
Ø A ‘special’ HASC meeting was due to take place on November 30th to discuss the Council’s budgetary position – the Cabinet would meet on December 1st to ratify any recommendations – a lobby of the meeting on December 1st was being organized by different groups in protect over the cuts – a further anti-cuts meeting was being organized for January 2011 and would take place at Camden Town Hall (Council Chamber).
SUMMARY OF CASP MINUTES MONDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2010 CAMDEN FEDERATION OF TENANTS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (CFTRA OFFICES) 6.30-9pm
CASP Committee Members Present: PD, MCA, DR, GA, RF, MC, JM, LB, TE, LD
LBC Officers present: Ann Baker (Assistant Head, Street Environment Services (Recycling), Dawn Aldred (Tenant Participation, Manager).
Other guests: Cllr Maya De Souza (Ward Cllr, Highgate)
Apologies: YG
The following issues were raised and discussed:
· A number of questions were raised about Camden’s new recycling and food collection service – please see attached for further info · CASP had been working with ward Cllrs to try and resolve a number of ongoing concerns around Decent Homes works in Caversham and Lady Somerset Road. As a result of issues raised around scaffolding, Camden had indicated that it might change the procedure in other parts of the borough concerning the use of scaffolding. · A number of important issues around DH works continued to be raised by residents at the DH strategy group meeting. · A member (Camden Council tenant) had raised the issue of the cost of her recently installed kitchen appearing on a leaseholder’s service charge bill. (Post meeting note: item also raised at leaseholder service charges scrutiny panel / SP has investigated and bills have been re-adjusted to correct the error). · The high cost being charged for the works needed to be picked up by the relevant scrutiny panel. · A report had gone to DMC’s about Credit Union, a facility for local people to borrow money but at a much cheaper interest rate compared to high street banks / other borrowers, etc. · A general discussion took place about the impact of the housing benefit reforms which would shortly be introduced by central government - the ‘caps’ would impact enormously on many residents including families in the borough, especially those renting privately – boroughs like Camden were forced to rely on a steady flow of private rented accommodation due to the shortage of suitable affordable housing and to help cope with the 20.000 strong waiting list – council tenants would also be affected by some of the reforms and articles were included in the Camden Tenant (CFTRA) and Camden Eye (Unison publication) – a number of individuals / groups were also pushing for a public meeting – more info about the cuts would be announced as part of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review on October 20th. DMC’s would also probably discuss the issue. (Post meeting note: a public meeting has been called by Unison to take place on January 10th 2011 – Camden Town Hall – under the provisional heading of ‘Camden against the Cuts’).
Camden Association of Street Properties
CONCERNS / OBSERVATIONS RAISED BY TENANTS AND RESIDENTS ABOUT CAMDEN’S NEW RECYCLING AND FOOD COLLECTION SERVICE
RESPONSE FROM ANN BAKER – ASSISTANT HEAD, STREET & ENVIRONMENT SERVICES (RECYCLING) LBC
CASP COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 27TH 2010
1) Tenants continue to request additional and clearer information about how the recycling and food collection works.
All residents should have received information about how the recycling service works when the new containers were delivered. For those that didn’t they can either visit the website
http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/environment/waste-and-recycling/new-face.en?page=1
where they can find downloadable leaflets on the right hand side of the screen. Alternatively please call 020 79746914 to arrange for a leaflet to be sent to them.
2) Some tenants have described frustration after making the effort to separate the various items to be recycled only to have Veolia arrive and empty all the materials into one recycling container.
This is an issue that has been raised by a number of residents and there was a problem with some of the split-bodied vehicles which meant that sometimes there were not enough lorries to cover all of the rounds. This should now be resolved as there have been some mechanical adjustments to the vehicles to reduce the number of breakdowns and Veolia have brought in an additional spare vehicle.
On some occasions residents unwittingly put things in with the paper and card that shouldn’t be there such as tetrapak’s which means that that material has to be added to the other recycling, to be sorted later. This may look like we are not treating the recycling properly, but it is a response to a genuine problem the crews have to manage on their round. This is an issue we’re going to have to address with better efforts to explain what can and can’t go into each of the containers.
With the new rounds logistics, and the excellent pick-up in dry recycling rates, we have on occasion had situations where one side of the split bodied vehicle becomes full, but we are agreeing with Veolia how best to make adjustments, and how to allow for unloading, to ensure that this doesn’t keep causing problems.
These problems don’t explain everything and we have worked with Veolia to identify where operatives may not been separating the recycling as expected. Both Veolia and my own officers have been observing crews at work where we have had reports of problems.
One operative has been disciplined as a result of not following instructions, but overall the monitoring has shown that the recycling service is being delivered well. We want the service improvements to continue so please pass on any reports of problems to me so I can get it resolved as soon as possible.
3) Number of ‘streets’ have raised concerns about the scheme and tenants have contacted the relevant team at Camden to raise issues, and although tenants have noted the ‘friendliness’ of the customer service staff, many have reported no change in overall service.
I have raised this with the call centre and the recycling team. Again if you can let me have specific details of when there is an occurrence of this I will ensure action is taken.
4) Not all tenants have received recycling bags, caddies, etc.
If anyone would like additional containers they can be ordered online http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/environment/waste-and-recycling/recycling-your-waste/decision-trees/recycling-your-waste-at-home.en or by calling 020 79746914 and they will be delivered within 7 days.
5) Large number of tenants and residents are complaining about Veolia not returning bags and caddies after being emptied. Tenants repeatedly complain about bags and caddies littering pathways and streets and many are expressing concerns around health and safety, etc.
This is another issue that a number of residents have raised. Every recycling crew has received a training talk within the last two months. At this meeting they were reminded of the service standards expected and had an opportunity to find out more about the service they are providing. Visual aids were used to show how containers should be returned so even if English wasn’t the first language the staff should still have understood the container instructions. I have attached a copy of the topics covered by this training session for your information with this response.
6) Tenants also complain that lids are being left off caddies, etc. In particular, tenants raise concerns about rainwater and litter from passers by being placed in exposed containers.
Please see response to point no.5 above.
7) Tenants have also raised concerns about containers / food caddies not being adequately cleaned after being emptied, etc.
Once containers are delivered to residents they become the responsibility of the resident to maintain and keep clean. Camden does not have the facilities to clean the individual containers although they will clean the communal bins which are used “on street” or on estates. Rinsing out the container with disinfectant or bicarbonate of soda after it has been emptied will help keep it clean.
8) Clarification on arrangements for ‘assisted collections’. For example, how does the system work and who qualifies to receive the service?
There is no strict criteria as to who does and does not qualify for an assisted collection but it is usually for residents living in street properties who are physically unable to carry their recycling boxes or bags to a convenient collection point on their property. Residents will need to contact us to arrange this if it is required by calling 020 79746914. A recycling officer will visit the address to put red and white tape on the containers so they can be identified by the crew. We will also inform Veolia’s recycling manager of the address so that this can be added to the collection schedule.
Please note that the crew will not enter a property to provide an assisted collection.
9) Some tenants have reported a ‘multiple’ delivery of items (caddies, bags, etc) which is simply not cost-effective. Tenants have requested that tenants be encouraged to leave ‘extra’ items outside their properties on a particular day to be collected.
When the food and garden waste service was implemented it was more efficient to deliver all the various recycling containers to residents in one go as we had to hire a vehicle and extra staff for the seven week roll out period.
Each street property should have received a blue bag for paper and card, 3 white reusable garden waste sacks, a brown outdoor food waste caddy and a small green indoor caddy. Where there were converted flats several containers would have been delivered in accordance with the number of door bells. Any property that doesn’t have a space for containers should have received a leaflet asking them to contact us if they wanted to use the service. (included in email)
10) A number of CASP members live above shops but have not received any information about how to get involved in the scheme.
See response to no 10. These properties should have received a card through the door to contact us about the options available to them for using the service.
11) Some tenants describe difficulty in storing their recycling material inside their properties, especially those tenants who live in smaller properties. What would the team advise in such cases? For residents who have storage problems I would suggest that they assess the containers they have. Would a bag be better suited where they may be using boxes? Are there any on street recycling points where they could take the excess recycling before the next scheduled recycling collection for their property? The team can offer more assistance if they have more specific details about the type of recycling, quantities involved and the property type. Again for more assistance please contact 020 79746914.
12) Tenants are raising concerns about the cost of replacing food bags, especially those tenants who live on limited income.
An agreement with a caddy liner provider is currently being set up with a proposed launch date of 1 November 2010. This will allow residents to order caddy liners at a more competitive price either on line or by phone via the Call Centre. Caddy’s can also be used without liners but will need to be rinsed out after collection.
At the meeting we briefly discussed the use of newspaper to line the caddies but the main reason that we can’t promote using newspaper is that lots of paper in the mix risks slowing down the accelerated composting process. If this is not controlled it can lead to problems with smells at the site. The smell issue led to complaints from local residents living near to the facility when it was first opened and the North London Waste Authority are being cautious about relaxing this control.
13) Tenants have raised the issue of penalty clauses included in Veolia’s contract. In what event would Camden consider enforcing this part of the contract?
Penalties are already part of the Veolia waste, street cleaning and recycling contract and are still used when there is are repeat service failures.
14) At what point will Camden formally assess the effectiveness of the new recycling and food collection service, including Veolia’s performance and their ability to effectively deliver the service?
The service is continually being reviewed and adjusted so that improvements can be made and the performance and tonnages collected reported back to senior managers and councillors. The full roll out of the food waste won’t be completed until next summer so a more formal review of the recycling service is likely to take place after that.
Camden Association of Street Properties September 2010 SUMMARY OF CASP MINUTES MONDAY 26TH JULY 2010 MARESFIELD GARDENS 6.30-9pm
CASP MC members present: PD, MCA, DR, GA, RF, LB, MC, TE, JM, LD
Apologies: YG
The following issues were raised and discussed:
HASC Scrutiny Committee was due to meet on July 28th and the Committee would formally agree the issues to be raised as part of its deputation.
A detailed discussion took place about the progress of the Association’s Plan of Action and the following points were raised:
Ø The Committee were supportive of the EO pilot scheme, but wished to know more about how the Committee might input into the formal process in order to ensure that all issues relating to EO performance are being addressed as part of the pilot, although it was agreed to await any final recommendations before responding further. (Post meeting note: final meeting to discuss pilot to take place on 15/11/10 – discussion to include how to feedback recommendations, etc)
Ø There was also a general feeling that communication was a vital tool in any situation, especially when officers are dealing with day to day issues.
Generally with regards to Home Ownership Services concerns were raised around the following issues:
Ø Leaseholder members present were not always satisfied with how issues around Decent Homes are being addressed, especially around delays in work, scaffolding (cost and management, etc).
Ø It was noted that the Association agreed as part of its Action Plan that a special report on scaffolding be forwarded to CASP, DMC’s, etc. It was also agreed that the item be raised as part of the Association’s deputation on July 28th. (Post meeting note: CASP has requested that a special report on scaffolding be circulated at the December cycle of DMC’s. DR has e-mailed items to be covered to Committee services including cost, management, insurance and security issues, etc. Item also requested at DH and Repairs Scrutiny Panel meeting on 4/11/10.
Generally with regards to LBC street properties and Decent Homes works the following points were raised:
Ø General communication issues with tenants and leaseholders around the scheduling of works, etc. Ø The issue of penalty clauses not being used by Camden Council when Lake House and Apollo were found to be under performing; Ø Cllr Fulbrook had stated at a DMC that he was looking closely at the contracts of both Apollo and Lake House as well as the issue of the high cost of the works; Ø It was felt that contracts were drawn up by individuals who had no or little knowledge of the building industry; Ø Tenants and residents still complained of not knowing what to do or who to contact when things go wrong; Ø It was also agreed that the issue of shoddy work including extortionate charges for these works being passed to Camden Council, leaseholders and tenants also be raised during the deputation on the 28th.
Generally with regards to LBC street properties and community safety issues the following points were raised:
Ø Recent events around Harrington Square (Camden Town) had highlighted a number of key issues and it was agreed that these would be examined in more detail at a future themed meeting.
Generally with regards to LBC street properties and everyday repairs the following points were raised:
Ø It was crucial to continue to push for a separate report on LBC street properties and repairs, as some of the charges made for these works were extortionate – an example of 2000 pounds quoted by Camden for a new front door was provided as an example of this unfairness – item to be raised as part of deputation on 28th. (Post meeting note: CASP has also now requested this item at the DH and Repairs scrutiny panel meeting on 4/11/10).
Generally with regards to LBC street properties and noise nuisance / pollution the following points were raised:
Ø CASP was not impressed with the responses given by the Camden officer (June 2010) on the subject of Camden’s noise service therefore it was necessary to continue to push for the recommendations included in its Action Plan which included a complete review of Camden’s noise service. Ø The Association also questioned the amounts being charged by contractors to provide sound proofing in some properties. Ø It was also important for Camden to adopt a more sensitive approach to the subject of noise nuisance, especially as it also affected vulnerable tenants including the elderly and disabled. (post meeting note: Agreed at HASC scrutiny committee meeting on July 28th that it will consider setting up panel on noise nuisance in January 2011 / item also requested as part of DMC agenda process – item to be discussed at December DMC meeting cycle). Ø A discussion took place around the pros and cons of devoting a website to issues around noise nuisance, etc
A final discussion took place about what to include in the Association’s deputation to the HASC scrutiny committee on July 28th 2010.
The following items were also raised during the meeting:
Ø It was likely that a time limited scrutiny panel on Tenant Participation would be set up to look at the issue of TP in Camden – items to be ‘scrutinized’ included how to deliver a more cost effective service – it was important to ensure that the process did not discriminate against certain groups. Ø It was reported that HASC scrutiny might be looking to co-opt members onto its panel and a selections process would be set up – the Committee was unanimous in its view that PD should be put forward for co-option onto the panel. (Post meeting note: It was announced on September 9th that Petra Dando (Kentish Town), Terry Wiggett (Gospel Oak) and Nigel Rumble (Hampstead) had been selected for co-option onto the HASC scrutiny committee). Ø Cllr Maya De Souza had indicated an interest in working with the Association to try and address issues being raised by members around the introduction of the food recycling and food collection service. Ø It was discussed and agreed that summaries of CASP Committee meeting minutes would be included in DMC agendas as this would inform members about the work of the Association. Ø A discussion took place about the role of the London Tenants Federation (LTF) and the contents of the ‘London Plan’.
SUMMARY OF CASP MINUTES MONDAY 28TH JUNE 2010 CAMDEN FEDERATION OF TENANTS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS OFFICES 6.30-9pm
CASP MC members present: PD, MCA, RF, DR, JM, YG, LB
LBC Officers present: Winston Labarr (Compliance and Enforcement Officer, Environment, LBC) Karen Orr (Tenant Participation Team) Environmental Protection Charity – Max Dixon
The following issues were raised and discussed:
· CASP confirmed the dates of the two CASP local meetings – July 21st and July 22nd – issues to be discussed included the IRS programme, Camden’s new recycling service, LBC street properties EO pilot scheme, Decent Homes, CASP Action Plan, District Management Committee news (DMC’s), LBC street property representatives, etc. - all Camden Cllrs would be invited to the meetings and an advert would go into the CNJ. · A discussion took place about the work of the London Tenants Federation (LTF) – a recent conference to discuss the Mayor’s London Plan had taken place – the supply of affordable homes and issue of overcrowding, inequalities in health care, regeneration and privatization of social housing were all discussed. The issue of noise nuisance emanating from inside properties and the affect it was having on some tenants was also raised, which indicated how important the issue is becoming for many tenants across London. · Winston Labarr gave a detailed overview of the work carried out by his department. WL oversaw the weekend noise service (10pm to 4am) which involved trying to address issues around noise caused by late night parties, burglar and car alarms, construction work, altercations, etc. WL would like to provide a 24 hour service but was unable to do so due to issues around resources, etc. · The call centre was manned 24/7 – weekend calls came through to patrole officers who would then try and address the issue. · A discussion took place about what was considered to be reasonable noise and clarification on this item was given (normal conversation, television sound). Unreasonable noise was considered to be loud television, washing machines, alarms and loud music after 11pm. WL’s department was in regular contact with other teams within housing, licensing and anti-social behaviour, etc. · CASP identified a number of issues in relation to the current service including ineffective communication between different teams, information going out to tenants about the work of the team needs to be more focused as some members had been told that the service was not available to tenants who live in LBC street properties, an unusual amount of bureaucracy which clearly hindered the delivery of the service, concerns about the consistent high level of complaints from tenants about noise in general, a lack of clarity about the roles / relationship between environment and housing, especially when dealing with issues around noise in converted properties, complacency on the part of some EO’s to deal with issues around noise, especially within properties. The outcome of a particular case could also be determined by the calibre of the particular officer dealing with the enquiry, etc. · CASP was concerned in particular about the issue of noise nuisance / pollution caused by poor sound insulation from within properties – the report on how Camden responds to noise complaints which had gone to DMC in 2008 did not help to address in any way whatsoever the large volume of complaints being raised by tenants, especially from those tenants who live in converted street properties – there was a need for Camden to be more creative in how it tries to address such challenging issues. · Max Dixon addressed the meeting and spoke about how councils need to be made more aware of how bad sound insulation is in their properties and the impact this can have on a person’s quality of life. There were issues around staff performance, especially around communication and information. It was also sensible for local authorities to try and work together to try and find a solution. · Max Dixon also supported the Association’s recommendations which focused more on trying to manage the issue through by involving housing allocations at an early stage, possibly by introducing a coding system for properties, highlighting those properties which experience the most / least noise. Raising awareness amongst Cllrs through using scrutiny and other channels was also important. · (Post meeting note: CASP did a deputation to the HASC scrutiny committee on July 28th where it raised the issue of noise nuisance, etc. The committee will consider setting up a formal panel on noise nuisance in January 2011). · It was important for the Association to be guided by the recommendations outlined in its Plan of Action as these had been agreed by its members. · The printed information leaflets produced by the charity were also most impressive and CASP would contact the charity for more leaflets for its members.
Camden Association of Street Properties (August 2010)
SUMMARY OF CASP MINUTES WEDNESDAY 26th MAY 2010 CAMDEN FEDERATION OF TENANTS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS OFFICES 6.30-9pm
CASP MC members present: PD, MCA, DR, RF, GA, YG, MC, LD
The following issues were raised and discussed:
· A smaller meeting had taken place with Ashford Francis to finalise information going out to formal members about the IRS scheme and street properties. Most importantly, info giving members a named contact at Camden overseeing the scheme was most important – this would go out in the news item to formal members. · Camden had employed the services of a consultant to advise on issues around conservation. Decisions on how to charge leaseholders for the scheme also appeared to be changing, although it was important to get accurate information about this item. · A similar meeting had taken place with Dermott Mullen who was overseeing the street property EO pilot scheme – all tenants and residents in the pilot area (Camden Town and Primrose Hill) would be invited to an informal meeting before the end of the pilot to give important feedback (September 2010). · CASP had been extremely active during the ‘No Sell-Offs campaign’ and the announcement that the sales would now stop was very welcome – an article and quotes from representatives active during the campaign would appear in the next edition of the Camden Tenant. · CASP had been informed that Cllr Julian Fulbrook was the newly elected Cabinet Member for Housing – he had been supportive of CASP during the re-launch period and the Association hoped to develop a good working relationship. · The issue of a future scrutiny panel on everyday repairs to Camden Council properties had been raised at another meeting – the Association had requested a special report on repairs to LBC street properties and it was possible that this might be linked to the work of any future panel on repairs. · Members noted that some tenants were questioning the legality of the Decent Homes programme and this was noted – a new government had been elected and a new administration in Camden therefore it was highly likely that a number of new announcements would be made about the programme. · An MC member had agreed to take minutes at future MC meetings and it was agreed to offer as much support as possible to the member to enable them to do this task. · The Committee discussed and formally agreed the CASP Plan of Action 2010/11 – the member who had worked on the format of the final document was thanked for their hard work – the Plan of Action included recommendations around housing management, repairs and major works, tenant participation, support for vulnerable tenants, community safety, sustainability, etc. – the document would now help guide and inform the work of the organization, although some of these items were already being progressed. · A discussion took place about the various formal mechanisms in place within Camden which might be used to highlight and challenge issues. · The election of CASP members onto the CFTRA committee was discussed – nominations were asked for ahead of the AGM in June. (Post-meeting note: PD and MCA were nominated and elected to sit on the CFTRA MC in June 2010) · The list of ‘streets’ meeting the criteria to take part in the street representation project was now complete (informal meeting of ‘streets’ to take place in early October 2010). · A discussion took place about how to organize future local meetings – it was agreed to organize local meetings to reflect the new East / West arrangement. · It was agreed to discuss the issue of noise nuisance / pollution and LBC street properties at the next ordinary meeting
SUMMARY OF CASP MINUTES MONDAY APRIL 26th 2010 CAMDEN FEDERATION OF TENANTS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS OFFICES 6.30-9pm
CASP MC members present: PD, MCA, RF, GA, LB, LD, YG, TE, JM
LBC Officers present: Jim Wintour (Director of Housing) Ashford Francis (Programme Manager, Renewals) Paula Botha (Renewals) Dermott Mullen (Housing Ward Manager, Camden Town and Primrose Hill)
The following issues were raised and discussed:
· A lengthy discussion took place about the IRS programme and a number of questions were raised about the scheme including how tenants and leaseholders would be charged, issues around street properties in conservation areas, the usefulness of the new service to tenants and residents, the issue of replacing technology in years to come and the importance of getting out to tenants up to date and reliable information about scheme. · It was now clear that only those street properties with communal television aerials maintained by Camden Council would be included in the scheme. Camden was also still in the process of collecting important data about this part of the programme which was not expected to start for some time. · Tenants would pay 87p per week for IRS, which will start from the April following the installation – this service charge would be covered by Housing benefit. · Leaseholders would pay a charge which is proportionate to the overall cost of installing IRS in their properties – average costs were 371 pounds, but would range from 250 pounds to 550 pounds when the weighting is applied for the property’s rateable value – there would also be a small annual maintenance fee. · JW addressed the meeting and spoke about how he valued and looked forward to working with the Association during the months ahead which he anticipated being quite difficult due the impending cuts which would undoubtedly impact on local services. Decent Homes works would hopefully continue but he felt there would be reductions in the programme due to the impending cuts. Camden Council would also need to become more efficient in how it delivers services over the coming months. · Concerns were raised by members about the current repairs service, Camden’s noise service which some members felt was not ‘fit for purpose’, Decent Homes, tenant participation, sub-letting, communication with tenants, etc. · CASP had requested a special report on repairs to LBC street properties, scrutinizing the cost and quality of repairs – this exercise would surely result in a more efficient as well as cost-effective service being delivered to street property tenants and leaseholders – JW agreed that this might be a useful exercise. · JW agreed with a member’s view that Camden Council should look into an agreement with leaseholders to allow them to carry out more works in their properties and JW agreed that this was one of a range of options which could be explored. · Concerns were expressed about the current administration’s policy on selling council homes, mainly street properties, to fund Camden’s Decent Homes Programme, especially in view of Camden’s 18.000 strong waiting list – didn’t anybody have a conscience? JW did not want to respond to the item due to the impending local election. · Dermott Mullan spoke about the LBC EO pilot scheme which had been progressed over the last few months – the pilot was now in place in the Camden Town and Primrose Hill ward and would last for 6 months, after which information would be collected and analyzed. · Members felt it was very important for EO’s managing street properties to have an in-depth knowledge of policies and procedures, especially around issues which tend to occur in street properties such as noise nuisance, etc, as this would ultimately determine the level of service delivered to tenants, etc. · CASP hoped that the work of the street properties EO pilot would eventually be linked to work taking place in other departments including community safety, repairs, home ownership services, as it also helped if the EO was liaising with staff members from different departments who had an equal level of expertise about issues affecting street properties – recent incidents affecting members on a Camden Town square had helped to highlight the fact that a different approach to dealing with issues around street properties and community safety, etc, was sometimes required if a satisfactory and effective service is to be delivered. · The geographical location of some properties was also discussed, as blocks within estates were more accessible to DHO staff – CASP felt that EO’s managing street properties need a more ‘hands on’ approach, especially as Camden’s previous allocation’s policy at one time favoured allocating LBC street properties to vulnerable tenants, which worked well so long as adequate and properly funded support was available to those tenants that need it. · CASP felt it was important for a definite project brief to be in place to guide the work of the pilot, although Camden felt it could move forward on the project in a less structured way. · CASP would continue to liaise with Dermott Mullen about the progress of the pilot. (Post-meeting note: all tenants and residents in the pilot area including all Camden Cllrs will be invited to a meeting in September 2010). · CASP was now working towards finalizing the items to be included in its brief news item to formal members. · The work of the DMC’s was discussed. · A small group of CASP MC members would meet with Pat O’Neill to have a more focused discussion on Decent Homes and to discuss ongoing issues affecting members. · CASP would also raise concerns on behalf of its members at Camden’s Decent Homes Strategy meeting – a suggestion by the Association that Camden Council update its material about Decent Homes on its website was due to be discussed shortly.
SUMMARY OF CASP MINUTES MONDAY 29th MARCH 2010 CAMDEN FEDERATION OF TENANTS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION OFFICES 6.30-9pm
CASP MC members present: PD, MCA, DR, RF, GA, LB, MC, LD, YG, TE
LBC Officers present: Pat O’Neill (Head of Capital Delivery), Dave Clark (Surveyor, Camden Council), Stephen Platt (Head of Home Ownership Services) Gavin Haynes (Head of Capital Investment), Dawn Aldred (Tenant Participation).
The following issues were raised and discussed:
· A lengthy discussion took place about the cost of scaffolding – issues around cost, insurance, security and management – item included in CASP Plan of Action. · Camden confirmed that channels for tenants and leaseholders to challenge issues around major works and Decent Homes were in place, although CASP felt there was a need for these to be more defined, more accessible to those who need to raise issues. · CASP reported that the poor quality of works was continually being raised by members and highlighted a need for Camden’s contractors to respond to the specific needs of period properties, as some of the examples of current work being done was shocking. CASP had put forward a number of recommendations around Decent Homes and LBC street properties, including the idea of selecting three random street properties having DH works and including them in a pilot scheme – recommendations for future improvements in service delivery might then be suggested. (Post-meeting note: Camden’s newly elected Cabinet Member for Housing has taken this suggestion forward in July 2010). · A discussion took place about street properties situated in conservation areas – Camden responded that the services of a specialist surveyor would be used and a discussion would take place with tenants before any works carried out to properties. · It was inevitable that the impending cuts would impact on the delivery of the DH programme, although there was funding available to finish the work in progress. · A smaller meeting would take place with Pat O’Neil in order to encourage a more focused and less general discussion about the works. · Daniel White, sustainability officer, Camden Council, was considered an excellent contact on issues around sustainability and had already advised a number of CASP members. · No future programmes beyond Decent Homes were currently being considered. · The revised CASP Compact was signed on March 8th 2010 – thanks were given to all those involved in taking the item forward. · Josie Adams (Service Development Officer) suggested a staged response to the items raised at the Special CASP meeting (February 10th 2010). · (Post-meeting note: the items raised at the Special CASP meeting on February 10th now form the CASP Plan of Action 2010/11) · Jim Wintour, Director of Housing, would attend the next meeting (April 26th). Josie Adam’s / Dermott Mullen, Camden Council officer overseeing the Street Property EO pilot would also be invited. · CASP newsletter would go out when more info available about IRS and street properties. · It was agreed to update members on the work of the CASP sub-groups in an appropriate communication. · The CASP website was discussed and it was agreed that it needs updating. (Post meeting note: this is currently in the process of being done) · CASP was now being informed of dates for Decent Homes open meetings – CASP would try to ensure it had a presence at these meetings in order to support members. · CASP was still collecting relevant info on streets needed to take the ‘street’ representation project forward – approx 80% of streets in Camden include CASP members. · A member raised concerns about plans to develop Athlone House and it was agreed that the Association would support a deputation to the relevant committee. · The work of the DMC was discussed including how CASP representatives would meet to discuss agenda items, etc. It was also important to identify ways to encourage members to access funding as this money also belongs to tenants who live in street properties. · CASP felt it was important to offer training to all new DMC members as not everybody was familiar with the exact function of the DMC’s – there also needed to be a consistent and reliable model in place to support members to raise agenda items. · Recent work of the CCPCG and Housing, Strategy and Policy Forum was also discussed. · The Compact Monitoring Board (CMB) was currently inactive despite a number of representatives being elected onto the Board.DA was unable to provide further info. · Report received on the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) – the role of the JMG was discussed, including how it planned to monitor services as well as how we could include items being raised on behalf of members such as noise nuisance, etc.
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