Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Housing and Property Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday 21 May 2025 at 9.30am.

Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.

You are invited to attend the meeting and a note of the business to be considered is attached.

Yours faithfully

Stewart Fraser
Chief Officer - Legal and Corporate Governance

Business

1. Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
Gairm a’ Chlàir agus Leisgeulan

2. Declarations of Interest/Transparency Statement
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt/Aithris Fhollaiseachd

Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting.  Any Member making a declaration of interest should provide some information on the nature of the interest and leave the meeting at the appropriate time.  Advice may be sought from officers prior to the meeting taking place.

3. Good News
Naidheachdan Matha

The Committee is asked to note the good news as presented.

4. Housing Performance Report 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Aithisg Coileanadh Taigheadais 1 Giblean 2024 gu 31 Màrt 2025

There is circulated Report No HP/15/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

The Committee is asked to scrutinise and note the information provided on housing performance in the period 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025.

5. Homelessness Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Chion Dachaigh

There is circulated Report No HP/16/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

The Committee is asked to consider and agree the progress in mitigating homelessness and delivering secure housing outcomes in Highland.

6. Council of Sanctuary
Comhairle Comaraich

There is circulated Report No HP/17/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

The Committee is asked to:-

i. note the efforts made by Highland and partner agencies in supporting resettlement and humanitarian programmes to date; and
ii. agree to the City of Sanctuary Award process and ongoing commitment required from Highland Council.

7. Service Workforce Plan Annual Progress Report
Aithisg Bhliadhnail Adhartais Plana Feachd-obrach Seirbheis

There is circulated Report No HP/18/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

The Committee is asked to note the:-

i. Housing and Property workforce planning progress report and updated action plan; and
ii. positive outcomes from the report, including:
a. creative recruitment techniques reduced the overall number of vacancies within the service;
b. the Housing and Building Maintenance workforce planning pilot exercise involved enhanced HR support and resources over a 12-month period which enabled the managers to work together to identify and resolve challenges while developing their own managerial skills;
c. the Housing Team was approved as a partner with the Chartered Institute of Housing's Professionalism Commitment;
d. specific specialist training commitments were given to areas such as fire and asbestos safety and how to deal with traumatic events and vulnerable customers; and
e. team restructures improved efficiency, service delivery and supported staff development opportunities within the service.

8. Delivery Plan Budget Monitoring and Progress Update
Sgrùdadh Buidseit agus Cunntas Adhartais a’ Phlana Lìbhrigidh

There is circulated Report No HP/19/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

The Committee is invited to note the progress of the Delivery Plan Programmes and Projects as per the updates provided in the report.

9. Service Performance Monitoring Report – Q4 2024-25
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Calpa Cunntas Teachd-a-steach Taigheadais – R4 2024-25 

There is circulated Report No HP/20/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise and note the Service’s performance information.

10. Exclusion of the Public
Às-dùnadh a’ Phobaill

The Committee is asked to resolve that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public should be excluded from the meeting for the following item on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 & 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

11. Housing Development Initiatives
Iomairtean Leasachaidh Taigheadais

There is circulated to Members only Report No HP/21/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

The Committee is invited to agree the recommendations as detailed in the report.

12. Property Transactions Monitoring
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

There is circulated to Members only Report No HP/22/25 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

The Committee is invited to agree the recommendations as detailed in the report.