States Strategic Plan 2005 to 2010 (P.81-2004) second amendment

STATES OF JERSEY

r

STATES STRATEGIC PLAN 2005 TO 2010 (P.81/2004): SECOND AMENDMENT

Lodged au Greffe on 8th June 2004 by the Housing Committee

STATES GREFFE

STATES STRATEGIC PLAN 2005 TO 2010 (P.81/2004): SECOND AMENDMENT ____________

At the end of the proposition, after the words "of the Appendix" insert the words –

"except that, in Section 9.1 (Prioritise States' Resources) of Strategic Aim Nine, for the words –

The 2006 Finance & Environment Optimum use of establishment Economics & Public States land and of a single Services property property Reduced costs in function for all the

States property administration of

property

Improved maintenance of buildings in the longer term

there shall be substituted the following words –

Establish an 2006 Finance & Environment Optimum use of overarching Economics & Public States land and States' property Services property strategy whilst Reduced costs in recognising the

that, in the administration of interests of property accountability Improved

and effective maintenance of service to the buildings in the community, longer term there needs to

be continued

direct link

between rentals

paid and

property

management

within States'

housing.

HOUSING COMMITTEE

REPORT

The Housing Committee manages 4,669 properties on 216 sites and is responsible for approximately 12,000 residents.

The rent roll as at 31st December 2003 was £31,129,291 for that year, with rent received, net of subsidy, amounting to £14,809,452.

The Housing Committee is the major social landlord in the Island and has over many years established a very close link with its tenants. The provision of a maintenance service is one of a number of services provided to tenants in return for the payment of rent. The Housing Committee believes that the direct link between rentals paid and property management must be kept intact. Indeed a number of initiatives have been developed over the years by the Committee to reward good tenants. These rewards, based on enhanced services, have a significant social input.

With the use of cross-cutting teams, the Department has worked hard to ensure that a balance is maintained between a value for money maintenance service and the social benefit to the wider tenant community. Property is core to the service the Housing Committee provides. It is therefore fundamental to the success of social housing that the bond between landlord and tenant is maintained.

Notwithstanding the wish of the Committee to protect the position of tenants, the proposed amendment does not interfere with the aim of establishing an overall property strategy for the States. Indeed, such clear links of accountability between charges and services provided are entirely in tune with the recently-approved Visioning document.

There are no additional financial or manpower implications for the States as a result of this amendment.