Agenda and minutes

The Committee noted the evacuation and housekeeping procedure.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 13 January 2025.

AGREED the minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Consideration was given to assessment of progress on the implementation of the recommendations from the Committee’s previously completed review of Burial Provision. This was the second update following the Committee’s agreement of the action plan in January 2023, and there were two outstanding recommendations that were both assessed as slipped due to complex land and property matters with the identified land at Blakeston Lane, which would give 100 years of grave space. Inclusive Growth were currently involved in these discussions.

The Committee discussed the grave space available in the current cemeteries and were informed that there were 70 years grave space in Thornaby and 30 years in Billingham. However, there was a need for more space in the central area, with only approximately seven years of space in Durham Road. Officers also informed that when a site was purchased to create a cemetery, a three – four year period was needed before burials could take place to allow for settlement of the land.

It was noted that site investigations on the identified land should be completed by August/September, and work was taking place to look at alternative, smaller, sites should the land not be secured. It was requested that Inclusive Growth confirm the other land that was being considered.

A further update was requested in six months.

AGREED that:

1)    the Progress Update be noted and the assessments of progress be confirmed.

2)    the further information be provided as requested.

To receive the draft final report

Consideration was given to the draft final report and recommendations for the Scrutiny Review of Affordable Housing. The Chair introduced the report and thanked the Committee, Officers, and organisations that provided evidence for their contributions to the review.

The link officer thanked the Committee for carrying out the review, which had been a really useful process for the officers that were involved.

Empty homes were discussed. It was noted that the information regarding the payment of the Empty Homes Council Tax levy had been circulated to members of the Committee as requested at the January meeting. The Committee found there was an issue with the legal framework and timescales for returning empty homes back to use and this had been addressed in Recommendation 2. 

The banding system under the Common Allocation Policy was also discussed and it was noted that the proposed changes were due to be implemented on 30 June, following agreement by all Tees Valley Letting Partnership partners. An update on the impact of the revised Common Allocation Policy was requested six months after implementation at Recommendation 4.

Members requested that further detail be added to the enabling bullet point under Recommendation 1, to reflect the information within the conclusion of the report.

The Committee approved the content of the draft final report and was informed it would be presented to Cabinet in April 2025.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing thanked the Committee for their work on this review.

AGREED that the final report be approved for submission to Cabinet.

Consideration was given to the Work Programme. The next review was Muslim and Faith Burial Provision and the scope and project plan for the review would be brought to the next meeting.

AGREED that the Work Programme be noted.