Minutes of WRA Committee meeting
                28th April 2010 Pakenham House
Present-
T.H.Hughes Chairman. M Williams. Secretary. E Francis. P.Prior. J.Price .  D.Corbett .S Knight. J Smith.B. Littlejohns. G Bayliss RIO.  J Plant ASB officer W/H
 

• Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present.

• Apologies - John Perks.

 
3.  Minutes of previous meeting were read and agreed and signed
 
4. Jeff Plant gave a presentation on his role as ASB officer for W/H. All were pleased to see how this procedure worked but were interested to know if Waterloo staff had seen this presentation and were up to speed on the procedure if ASB was reported to them.
 
5.  D. Corbett informed members that the disability forum had visited  Niadex They had looked for the lever tap for stop taps that were mentioned at the last Disability Forum meeting to help disabled residents turn off water should the need arise, but could not find anything that was better than the pressure tap fitted in newer properties. The Disability Forum was now planning a visit to Chamois to look at kitchen adaptations.
 
6. M Williams to contact Tony Hughes to find out if any of the Security budget work for 2010 had started yet.
 
7. Chairman asked for people willing to be in a working party to organize the Fun Days to be funded from the community grant. M. Williams. J.Price. P.Prior. and J Smith are to make up this working party and a meeting with Gemma is to be arranged.
 
8. G Bayliss reported that  WRA and WH were fulfilling the terms of Residents Charter.   
 

• Chairman thanked all for members for Mystery Shopping/Post Lets but reminded all that this was an ongoing job to keep the standards high.

10. Chairman asked if any members were interested in any more computer lessons, all agreed this would be good. A First Aid course was also suggested. Gemma to look into.
 
11. All members were informed of a visit to the Atherstone office on 26th May by WRA.
 

• Chairman thanked all for coming and closed meeting

Next meeting TBA

Minutes of  Meeting of WRA Committee meeting
 10.00am 17th February 2010 at Pakenham House                     
Present:-
T. H. Hughes - Chairman. M Williams - Secretary.
 J Smith. E Francis. S. Knight. P.Prior. J.Perks. J.Price. G.Bayliss RIO.
 
1. Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present.
2. Apologies, D Corbett.
Minutes of last meeting were agreed and signed.

4. Committee discussed the setting up of working parties to look at services
    provided by WHA.
  It was decided by members that the 2 services we would be looking at first would be Service charges and Repairs /maintenance.
    It was proposed that two W/P be set up to look at service charges
A)   In the rented section- J. Perks- J.Smith- P.Prior   
B)   In home ownership – B .Littlejohns – S. Knight.
It was agreed that Chairman would attend the first meeting of this group.  Repairs and maintenance working party would be – T. Hughes- M.Williams E.Francis. J.Price.
     G. Bayliss would now arrange these working parties.
 
5. Disability Forum Report -  Mavis outlined their programme for 2010.
    A trip to Niadex was being arranged in April also a trip to Chamois to look at kitchen adaptations. A meeting with maintenance to discuss outstanding issues was planned for 22nd March and a phone conference later in the year.
 
6. Security & Environment Budget -  So far 8 had been received 4 from the rented section and 4 from home ownership. It was agreed that some of these needed a site visit before any decisions were made. this to be arranged with T.Hughes.M Williams and Tony Hughes of WHA
 
7. Community Fund- Chairman outlined plans for a number of fun days to be held in the summer to involve more residents. These to be held at locations that would cover all areas. Input would be needed to where these events would be. All agreed this was a good use of the community fund. Chairman informed members that this fund was also paying for Mrs. Bates from Knights Court to sit her level 3 hygiene certificate.
 
8. Chairman informed members that a meeting with L.Hales was to take place
    On 24th  re- complaints procedure and sheltered housing.
 
9. G. Bayliss spoke of the need for more mystery shopping .
 
10. Chairman thanked all for attending then closed meeting

Minutes of WRA Committee meeting
3rd February 2010 at Sutton Park Meeting Room
 
Present-
T.H.Hughes Chairman. M Williams. Secretary. E Francis. J.Perks. P.Prior. J.Price .  D.Corbett .S Knight. J Smith. G Bayliss RIO.  H Scarreett - Director of G. Ops.  K.Mullins Maintenance WH
Representative from Chamois.
 
Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present and offered the committee’s condolences to Eric for the loss of his wife Betty

Apologies Bob Littlejohns
 
3. Minutes of previous meeting were read and agreed. It was noted that the meeting with Helen - item 7 on the last minutes had now taken place and that things were now moving in the right direction.
 
4. H. Scarrett spoke at some length about the TSA policy on resident involvement. It was clear from reading their six standards that will apply from April 2010 that WRA and its members would be much more involved in all aspects of WH A Services. It was agreed that WRA would set up a number of working parties so that each service could be looked at individually.
Chairman informed Helen that our next WRA meeting would take place very soon to set up these working parties and if needed we would try to recruit from the network.         
    
5.  K Mullins  produced the new kitchen fronts to now be used by WHA .The rep from Chamois said this change was due to not importing them ready made. All agreed that the new designs were fine.
When asked about being able to repair present kitchens with the old design we were told that this would be continued until stocks exhausted and if necessary kitchens would then have to be replaced.
 
6. D. Corbett informed members that the disability forum would be visiting Niadex also having at least 2 phone conferences in 2010. She also asked K Mulling if it was possible for the forum to visit Chamois to see the adapted kitchens. This was to be arranged.
 
7. M. Williams handed in two Community bid forms, these to be discussed. Seven security/environmental bids have been received for 2010 and one for Macgror Tithe that could not be done last year due to other work being done on this site. ( WRA to now look at these bids )
 
8. All members were handed a copy of the void standard used by Waterloo members who are mystery shoppers were asked to look at this before doing their next inspection. Helen to verify that this was an up to date version.( this now been verified )
 
9. G Bayliss reported that  WRA and WH were fulfilling the terms of Residents Charter.   
 
10.  Chairman thanked all for attending then closed meeting.
 
                          Next Meeting TBA 

Minutes of WRA Committee meeting
18th November 2009 at Pakenham House
Present- T.H.Hughes - Chairman. M Williams.- Secretary. B. Littlejohns. E. Francis. J. Perks. P.Prior.
J. Price D. Corbett . S Knight G. Bayliss RSW.

1. Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present.

2. Minutes of previous meeting were read and agreed.

3. J Price reported on an incident regarding an empty property that was reported to the out of hours phone number. It seems they were not very helpful or polite.

4. D Corbettt spoke of the need for a further meeting with maintenance dept regarding issues that were bought up at last disability forum meeting that had still not been addressed. She informed members of the telephone conference and of the information given by the Independent Living Centre that she would pass on to disabled tenants

5. Chairman reported on various projects that had been funded by the community Fund.

6. Security /environmental bids 2009. It was reported that work on the bids received for 2009 was now complete It was agreed that the bid from McGregor Tithe would now be put in for 2010 as this work could not be carried out this year due to major work at this site.

7. M. Williams informed members that she would not be putting her name forward for re-election at the AGM. She spoke at some length of her dissatisfaction with the implementation of the review into sheltered housing agreed by the board. WRA Committee spoke at some length about this and it was agreed that a meeting With H. Scarrett was the best way forward, this to be arranged by Gemma.

8. G Bayliss reported that WRA and WHA were fulfilling the terms of the Residents Charter.

9. Chairman asked members if they were interested in any training, all agreed that continuing with computer training would be helpful. This was agreed and would be arranged. He also informed members that most of the arrangements for the AGM/ Xmas party were complete and looked forward to a successful day.

10. Chairman thanked all for attending then closed meeting. Next Meeting TBA

Minutes of WRA Committee meeting
25th August 2009 at Pakenham House

Present-
T.H.Hughes Chairman. M Williams. Secretary.
B Littlejohns. . E Francis. J.Perks. P.Prior. J.Price.D.Corbett
G Bayliss RSW.
 
1. Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present.
 
2. Minutes of previous meeting were read and agreed.
 
3. Secretary reported that M Straker had given her resignation from WRAC.
 
4. D Corbettt spoke of the need for a further meeting with maintenance dept
    regarding scooter storage and issues bought up at last meting.
    She was also organizing a phone conference for the disabled forum.
 
 5. Chairman reported on various projects that had been funded by the community   
     Fund.
    
6. Security /environmental bids 2009.
    It was reported that work on the bids received for 2009 was now complete
    
7. Chairman asked all present if they were interested in doing mystery shopping
    On a Saturday in September for a member of the group. Training would be given for
this.
 
8. G Bayliss reported that  WRA and WH were fulfilling the terms of Residents   
    Charter.   
 
8. Chairman asked members if they were interested in any training, all agreed that  
    Computer training would be helpful. This was agreed and would be arranged.
 
9.  Chairman thanked all for attending then closed meeting.
 
                          Next Meeting TBA 
                       

Minutes of WRA Committee meeting
23rd June 2009 at Pakenham House

Present-
T.H.Hughes Chairman. M. Williams. Secretary.
R. Littlejohns. E Francis. J. Perks. P. Prior. J. Price. G. Bayliss RIO.
In Attendance M. Duffy. M. Bhopal. D. Lamb.  as observer.
 
1. Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present.
2. Minutes of previous meeting were read and agreed.
3. Apologies M. Straker. J Smith. D Corbett.
 
4. M Duffy spoke of her role of Waterloo Housing Manager and the new structure of the group. She informed the committee of the appointment of 2 ASB officers and WH’s policy of reviewing and maintaining a high customer service level. She informed WRA that mystery shopping and void inspections are excellent tools in measuring these standards.
 
 5. M Bhopal Maintenance Manager WH outlined the appointment of new contactors commencing 1st July and new void contractors for later on in the year. He also asked for members to meet with the new contractors and staff in July.
    
6. Security /environmental bids 2009. It was reported that work on the bids received for 2009 was now complete and that 3 more had been received and handed to WHA for pricing.
 

• Community Fund - Chairman reported that 2 bids 1. a Kick Boxing team and 2. a Frisbee team both representing England had been approved. A bid received from a residents group who were sending parcels to British soldiers in Afghanistan to be considered.

• G Bayliss reported that  WRA and WH were fulfilling the terms of Residents Charter.   

 
9. G Bayliss reported on the mystery shopping training day at Knight Court  She informed us that these new mystery shoppers had already done some work for WRA .
 
9. Chairman reported that void inspections and mystery shopping was still working well in raising standards and that he had been approached by A Riley, from the Waterloo Group, to mystery shop in the Leicester area. WRA to arrange this.
 
10. Chairman informed all members that AGM- Xmas party was now booked
      for 11th December and reminded them all about raffle prizes.

11. Chairman thanked all for attending then closed meeting.
 
                          Next Meeting TBA  

Minutes of WRA Committee meeting
30th April 2009 at Pakenham House

Present-
T.H. Hughes - Chairman. M. Williams. - Secretary.
B Littlejohns. . E Francis.  D Corbett. J.Perks. P.Prior. J.Price.
L Hales (WHA Housing Manager) G. Bayliss RSW.
S Knight as observer.
 
1. Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present.
 
2. Minutes of previous meeting were read and agreed.
 
3. Apologies M Straker
 
4. Lucy Hales reported on WHA customer care standards and on new customer
    complaints procedures now being used by WHA. She also thanked WRA for
    their mystery shopping and reported that this was an excellent tool in monitoring
    Waterloos standards.
 
 5. D Corbett reported on Disability forums visit to Niadex .She also reported that she
    was still waiting for maintenance meeting regarding repairs list given to them
    at last disability forum meeting.
 
6. Security /environmental bids 2009.
    It was reported that work on the bids received for 2009 had now been started
     and that 3 more had been received and handed to Tony Hughes for pricing.
 
7. Chairman reported that some bids had been received for the Community Fund
    These were yet to be looked at and decisions on these bids would be reported at
    next meeting. 
 
8. G Bayliss gave all members copy of WRA involvement action plan for 2009- 2010.
 
9. It was agreed by all present that WRA were happy to support Taroe but that our
    input would remain low key.
 
11. Chairman thanked all for attending and we then had a training update on mystery
      shopping.
 
                              Next meeting 23rd June 2009  

Minutes of WRA Committee meeting
12th February 2009 at Pakenham House
Present-
T.H.Hughes Chairman. M Williams. Secretary.
B Littlejohn.  J Smith. M Straker. E Francis.  D Corbett. J.Perks. P.Prior. J.Price.
G.Bailey RSW
 
1. Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present.
 
2. Minutes of previous meeting were read and agreed.
 
3. Apologies Kate Moor customer Service Officer WH
 
4. D Corbett reported on the Disability forum. She reported meeting with
    Manjit (Maintenance Manager) regarding issues bought to the disability forum by
residents, and spoke of the need to be informed by Maintenance Dept when these
issues had been sorted out.
 
5. Security /environmental bids 2009.
    It was reported that all the bids received for 2009 had now been handed to Tony   
    Hughes (Maintenance) for pricing, these need to be in by the time of the consultative
panel meeting.
 
6. Chairman reported that WRA were continuing working with WHA on the review
    on sheltered housing.
 
7. G Bayliss reported that she was now working on the Residents Charter she hoped put
    It into a shorter and simpler format by our next meeting.
 
8. All agreed that a training day for mystery shopping would be of benefit. This was
    to be arranged for the 12th March.
 
9. Taroe Conference Jan 2009. Members were asked their views on this conference.
   most agreed the idea of an umbrella group of tenants and residents for the
    Midlands was a good idea but as WRA already getting good resident involvement
   from WH that our involvement in Taroe would remain minimal.
 
10. All were reminded that the Consultative Panel meeting was on the 19th March.
 
11. Chairman thanked all for attending and closed meeting.

Minutes of WRA Committee meeting
on 25th November 2008 at Pakenham House

Present-
T.H.Hughes - Chairman. M Williams - Secretary.  
B. Littlejohns. J. Smith. E. Francis.  J. Price.  M. Straker.  P. Prior. J. Perks
In Attendance Gemma Bayliss  Resident Involvement Officer WHA
 
1. Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present.

2. Apologies - Denise Cortbett

3.  Minutes of previous meeting were read and agreed.
 
4. Disability Forum - It was reported that the disability forum were to hold a phone conference to discuss WH policy on electric scooters.(insurance and storage)There had been a number of  problems regarding this and there seemed to be no overall policy.

5. Security Bids - It was reported that all bids for 2008 were completed . 

6. Sheltered Housing Review - Chairman reported that the review on sheltered housing was continuing, WRA had now visited a number of other HA’s to see how they ran the social side of sheltered housing. All the information gathered had now been shared with WH and a new policy is being put together with the input of WRA

7. Residents Charter - Gemma reported on the update of the charter, she was at present working with Director of Housing and WRA Chairman. She also hoped to simplify the charter.

8. Training - It was agreed by all that a training day for mystery shopping should take place.

9. Invites to meetings - It was agreed that Kate Moor (Customer relations) would be asked to next WRA meeting also it would be a good to invite other Waterloo staff to WRA meetings.

10 AGM - The chairman reminded everyone of the AGM on the 11th Dec and asked for more raffle prizes
       
There being no other business Chairman thanked all for attending and closed meeting.

Minutes of WRA Committee meeting
on 7th October 2008 at Pakenham House
Present-
T.H.Hughes - Chairman. M Williams - Secretary.
B. Littlejohns. J. Smith. E. Francis. J. Price. M. Straker. D. Corbett. P. Prior. J. Perks
In Attendance Gemma Bayliss Resident Involvement Officer WHA

1. Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present.
2. Minutes of previous meeting were read and agreed.

3. Chairman reported that the merger with Eastern Shires was now complete and the new group is
named ‘The Waterloo Housing Group”

4. D Corbett reported that the disability forum were to hold a phone conference to discuss
WHA policy on electric scooters.(insurance and storage)There had been a number of
problems regarding scooters and there seemed to be no overall policy.

5. Security Budget - The secretary reported that all bids for 2008 were completed and so far 5
bids had been received for 2009. Chairman reminded members to look out for any
environmental work that needed to be done. Julie and Marcia were going to revisit sites they
had noted on a walkabout with their Housing Officer.

6 Chairman reported that the review on sheltered housing was continuing, WRA were going to
visit a number of other HA to see how they ran the social side of their sheltered housing. All the
information gathered would then be used in our review to be submitted to Management.

7. Gemma reported on the update of the charter, she was at present working with Director of
Housing and WRA chairman on the Action Plan for 2009. She also looked to simplify the
charter Action Plan for the future.

8. It was agreed by all that a training day for mystery shopping should take place and the
Chairman and Gemma (WHA) to arrange a suitable time and date.

9. Chairman reported that WRA had met with Kate Moor of WHA to revise the complaints
procedure. This was all now to be centralised and all complaints followed through.
10 The chairman reminded the committee about the AGM/Xmas party in Dec. and look for prizes
needed for the raffle
10. There being no other business Chairman thanked all for attending and closed meeting.
Next Meeting TBA

Minutes of WRA Committee meeting 6th June 2008
At 7.00pm at Pakenham House Sutton Coldfield
 

Present-
T.H. Hughes – Chairman. M. Williams - Secretary. J.Smith. M. Straker .J.Price.
R. Littlejohn. E. Francis. J. Perks.
 
1. Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present.
 
2. Apologies P. Prior.
 
3. Chairman introduced members to new Resident Involvement Officer - Gemma Colley .
 
4. Chairman informed members that the new group structure was now set to go ahead. All agreed that the sooner this happened the better.
 
5. M. Williams read out report sent by D Corbett from the disabled forum. This contained the trip to Niadex and a forth coming phone conference Denise was thanked for her efforts
 
6. M Williams reported that only 2 items on the Security Budget for 2008 were now  to be completed these were both for fencing and the secretary would contact WHA to ensure they were completed on time
 
7. Chairman was pleased to report that WHA board had agreed the major points of the review on sheltered housing. WRA and WHA were going to now look at social clubs and how they are run. This was hopefully so an overall standard could be achieved in the future
   
8. As yet because of pressure of time the review on service charges has not started, it was hoped this could begin soon.
 
9. Members agreed that the charter update would be carried out now by Gemma who would report on the update at the next committee meeting
 
10.    Chairman stressed the need for more mystery shopping to be done.
 
11.    Chairman reported on WRAs input into the complaints procedure that was now being updated by WHA.
 
12.    A training day to learn more about supporting people was now arranged for the 12th June.   All agreed that a day for committee members to visit other sites would be good. This to be arranged.
 
13. Chairman then thanked all for attending and closed meeting.

Minutes of WRA Committee meeting 4TH April 2008
At 7.00pm at Pakenham House Sutton Coldfield
 

Present-
T.H. Hughes - Chairman. M. Williams - Secretary J. Smith. M. Straker. J. Price. R. Littlejohns.
P. Prior. J. Perks.
 
1. Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present.
 
2. Apologies - E. Francis.
 
3. Chairman informed members that a new Resident Involvement Officer, Gemma Colley had now been appointed by WHA. and would take up her position on 1st May 2008
 
4. Chairman informed members that the new group structure was still being decided by WHA board members. All of the WRA committee agreed that the sooner a decision was made the better.

5. M. Williams reported that Mr. John Bates had offered his resignation from the Disability Forum (DAG) and from WRA committee and this was noted and accepted. Disabled forum members were going to visit Niadex at the NEC and Denise Corbett was now going to resume her place as disability forum co-ordinator and for the present would send her reports via email until such time as her health permitted her to attend meetings.
 
6. Security Bids for 2008 were now all priced and work was underway. Three new bids had been received and the Chairman and Secretary are going on site to look and evaluate these.
 
7. WRA were now waiting for WHA action plan in regards to the review on Sheltered Housing. The results of this review were due to be seen by WHA board members at their next meeting. It was hoped all the recommendations in the report would be evaluated by WHA and implemented where possible.
 
8. As yet because of pressure of time the review on service charges has not started, it was hoped this could begin soon.
 
9. Members agreed that the charter update for 2008/9 would be carried out when the new Resident Involvement Officer took up her position.
 
10.    Chairman stressed the need for more mystery shopping to be done.
 
11.    Chairman reported on WRAs input into the complaints procedure now being updated by WHA. 
 
12.    A training day to learn more about supporting people is being arranged and was welcomed by all. Chairman to liaise with Lucy Hales of WHA to set time and dates.
 
13. Chairmen then thanked all for attending and closed meeting.

Minutes of Committee meeting Tues. 29th Jan 2008
held at Park House Sutton Coldfield at 10.00 am
 
Present at meeting:- T. H. Hughes  Chairman.   M. Williams.  Secretary   J.Smith. M.Straker. J.Price. J.Perks. P.Prior. R.Littljohn.J.Bates.
 In attendance - B.Mitchell RPW. K Mullings and R Suffolk WHA
 
1. Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present. He also welcomed the two new committee members (R Perks and Jean Price) and remindered all to address remarks through the chair and outlined the good relations we have with management. He also pointed out the reason for the change of venue and meal was a small reward to committee members for their work during the past year.
 
2. Apologies - Eric Francis.   
 
Minutes of last meeting agreed and signed.

4. Mr. R (Bob) Mitchell announced that he would be retiring at the end of March and all expressed their disapointment that he would be leaving but wished him well in his retirement.
 
5. Chairman spoke of  the training day due to continue after this meeting, this was to give all committee members a view of the training available for Tenant/Resident reps
     
6. Chairman and M. Williams gave report on work carried out so far in the review on sheltered housing by WRA. The fact finding was almost done and would be analyzed ready to submit to WHA in March. It was hoped that this review would help identify any areas where changes may need to be to made.

7. M Williams reported that 9 security/environmental bids for 2008 had been received. One of these was rejected by all members as it would only be of benefit to one property and all bids must benefit a community. The bids were passed to maintenance for pricing.
 
8. K Mullings (maintenance dept WH) reported on upgrading work on bathrooms due to be carried out this year. Also asked committee for approval on keeping the same colours for the painting programme, also a change of  colour on kitchen cupboard refurbishment. This was agreed.
 
9. The chairman introduced Mr.Isaacs from ‘Partners in Change’ who gave a detailed talk on training available for residents and how this could be accessed. This was continued after lunch and all members participated in discussions of how they would like further training.

10. The next committee meeting was arranged for the 29th Feb 2008 at Pakenham House
There being no further business the chairman again thank all for attending and closed the meeting.

Minutes of Committee meeting Tues. 29th Jan 2008
held at Park House Sutton Coldfield at 10.00 am
 
Present at meeting:- T. H. Hughes  Chairman.   M. Williams.  Secretary   J.Smith. M.Straker. J.Price. J.Perks. P.Prior. R.Littljohn.J.Bates.
 In attendance - B.Mitchell RPW. K Mullings and R Suffolk WHA
 
1. Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present. He also welcomed the two new committee members (R Perks and Jean Price) and remindered all to address remarks through the chair and outlined the good relations we have with management. He also pointed out the reason for the change of venue and meal was a small reward to committee members for their work during the past year.
 
2. Apologies - Eric Francis.   
 
Minutes of last meeting agreed and signed.

4. Mr. R (Bob) Mitchell announced that he would be retiring at the end of March and all expressed their disapointment that he would be leaving but wished him well in his retirement.
 
5. Chairman spoke of  the training day due to continue after this meeting, this was to give all committee members a view of the training available for Tenant/Resident reps
     
6. Chairman and M. Williams gave report on work carried out so far in the review on sheltered housing by WRA. The fact finding was almost done and would be analyzed ready to submit to WHA in March. It was hoped that this review would help identify any areas where changes may need to be to made.

7. M Williams reported that 9 security/environmental bids for 2008 had been received. One of these was rejected by all members as it would only be of benefit to one property and all bids must benefit a community. The bids were passed to maintenance for pricing.
 
8. K Mullings (maintenance dept WH) reported on upgrading work on bathrooms due to be carried out this year. Also asked committee for approval on keeping the same colours for the painting programme, also a change of  colour on kitchen cupboard refurbishment. This was agreed.
 
9. The chairman introduced Mr.Isaacs from ‘Partners in Change’ who gave a detailed talk on training available for residents and how this could be accessed. This was continued after lunch and all members participated in discussions of how they would like further training.

10. The next committee meeting was arranged for the 29th Feb 2008 at Pakenham House
There being no further business the chairman again thank all for attending and closed the meeting.

    Minutes of WRA Committee meeting Held at Pakenham House
Sutton Coldfiled  29th November 2007

 
Present-
T.H.Hughes - Chairman. M Williams Secretary. J. Smith. M. Straker. J. Bates.
E. Francis. J. Price.
 
1.       The Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present
 
2.       Apologies received from R. Littlejohn. and R. Mitchell (RPW)
 
3.       Minutes of previous meeting were read agreed and signed.
 
4.       Chairmen spoke of visit to Eastern Shires this was supposedly to look at their resident involvement.
All agreed it had been a pointless visit and that WRAC had nothing to learn.
 
5.     J. Bates was now appointed disability co-ordinator as D. Corbett had not put her name forward for re-Election. Denise was thanked for all her good work and help.
 
6.     M.Williams informed members that security bids for 2007  excepting the one at Woodford End were now completed .This last one was due to be finished before the end of the month.
 
7.     Chairman reported on the visits to other housing associations sheltered housing schemes. This was to look how these
schemes were run, to help in WRAs review on sheltered housing
 
8.     Chairman reported on areas of involvement for 2008. This was to be a review of service charges J.Smith and M.Straker were asked and agreed to be involved in this .
 
9.     M.Williams reported on the new ASB team at Boldmere Office that was to be used to tackle ASB cases that were a long term problem  and that WRA were to be consulted how this was to proceed.
       
10.   Chairman said that more Post Let inspections and Mystery shopping needed to be done in 2008.
 
11. All members agreed that A.Harmon should now be considered as resigning from WRA committee as he had not attended our last 3 meeting and not put his name forward for the AGM.
 
12.   It was agreed that a training day for committee members would be arranged for January.
Chairman to arrange this with B.Mitchell.

13 It was agreed that all committee members with computers could have one set of ink cartridges a year and that WRA would supply a printer to M.Staker.
        

 
15.   Chairman thanked all for attending and closed meeting.
 
                                               Next Meeting TBA

Minutes of WRA Committee meeting
19th July 2007 at Pakenham House

Present-
T.H. Hughes - Chairman. M. Williams.- Secretary B. Littlejohn. J. Smith. E. Francis.
J. Bates, M. Straker. A. Harman. D. Corbett.
J. Price S. Gallagher Observers.
H.Scarrett. Housing Director. R Mitchell TPW
 
1. The Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present.
 
2.  Minutes of previous meeting were read, agreed and signed
 
3. H. Scarrett informed WRA members of the new involvement policy from the Housing Corporation. Most of the recommendations were already being implemented by WHA but WRA committee members needed to read the document and report back to the secretary as soon as possible with any comments so that it can be discussed in detail at the next consultative panel meeting.

4. H. Scarrett informed WRA of a proposed merger with Eastern Shires HA and spoke of the possible benefits it would bring to WHA
               
5.  H. Scarrett informed WRA about recent staff changes.    
      
6.  J. Bates reported on a training course he attended at Trafford Hall.
 
7. M Williams reported that completion of security bids for 2007 were well under way the only ones still to be done were fencing that was being made to order. J. Smith and M. Straker reported that the slabbing at their site was not of a very high standard and that the contractor’s attitude was not very cooperative.
 
8. Chairman reported on visits to sheltered schemes of other HA’s to gather information for WRA’s review of sheltered housing. He asked members for their input as WRA intend to visit all WHA’s sheltered sites in this review.

9. Chairman informed members of the review of service charges that would be taking place this year and again asked for committee members input.
 
10. B.Mitchell spoke of the need to do more mystery shopping. It was pointed out to the meeting that only Post Letting visits could be undertaken when notified by WHA that the new tenant had agreed to a visit from WRA.
 
11. R. Littlejohn spoke of anti-social behavior problems on his site that did not appear to be taken seriously by the Parkfields Office. H.Scarrett informed the meeting that she would look into the matter and that L. Fennelon was now the contact for future ASB problems. It was also agreed that Mr. Fennelon would be asked to attend the next committee meeting to outline any necessary procedures.
 
12. All members agreed that a training day how on how to deal with contractors and a refresher training for “Mystery Shopping’ would be beneficial. Mr. R. Mitchell was asked to arrange.
    
13. Chairman reminded everyone of the upcoming Residents conference and asked all present to recruit as many fellow residents as they could for the conference in October. We need at least 120 resident attendees to ensure its success.

14. The chairman presented WRA’s accounts for the six months to 30th June 2007
which were discussed and adopted.

15. H. Scarrett presented to the meeting a range of 3 colours of bathroom border tiles for new refurbishments. The committee agreed the new range was very attractive and supported the new colours.
 
16. Chairman then thanked all for attending and closed meeting.
 
                                             Next Meeting TBA
 

Minutes of WRA Committee meeting 3rd May 2007 at Pakenham House

Present:-
T.H.Hughes Chairman. M Williams. Secretary. B Mitchell RSW
B Littlejohn. J Smith.     . E Francis. J Bates. J. Price as an observer
 
1. Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present.
 
2. Apologies- M Straker . A Harmon.
 
3. Minutes of previous meeting were read and agreed and signed
 
4. J. Bates reported on disability forum’s visit to Niadex  it was noted with disappointment that no Waterloo staff members had attended with the group.
Members felt that the exhibition was not as good as previous years.                                     
5. M Williams reported that WRA were due to go to Broomy Close to look at bid for this year, also that the pricing of all the bids was now being done by WH maintenance dept who had assured WRA that all work would be completed by October.
               
6. Chairman reported on visits to other HA sheltered schemes to look how they were run. This was to gather information to use in WRA’s Review of Sheltered Housing.
WRA have till March 2008 to complete this review as well as looking at service charges.
 
7. B Mitchell reported on the update of the Residents Charter and that the latest Action Plan would be published on our website.
 
8. Chairman reported on success of the Post Letting Reports done so far by resident inspectors. WHA have now introduced a new checklist based on our findings for inclusion in the Lettings Package.

9. Chairman also reported on training day at Kidderminster for more resident inspectors.
 
10. Chairman reported on items so far arranged for the Residents Conference and of the need for input from all members to make this event a success.
 
11. There being no other business Chairman thanked all for coming and closed meeting.
Next meeting TBA

Minutes of WRA Committee meeting
15th March 2007 at Pakenham House

Present-
T.H.Hughes Chairman. M Williams. Secretary.
B Littlejohn. J Smith. M Straker. E Francis. J Bates. D Corbett. A Harmon.
B Mitchell RSW

In attendance - L Cooke – (Community Grants & Loans) and 4 Resident Scheme Managers
 
Chairman opened meeting and welcomed all present.
 
1. L Cooke outlined Community Care Grants .Waterloo RSM’s attended this  meeting to take back this information to help residents on their scheme.
All were thanked for attending and then along with L Cooke left the meeting.
 
2. Minutes of previous meeting were read and agreed.
 
3.  D Corbett informed members that for next few months John Bates had agreed to help with disabled forum J Bates, is at present working with Bob organizing a visit to  Niadex.
 
5. M Williams reported that WRA had meeting with D Newman on the 19th March where this years security/environmental budget was on the agenda.          
 
6. J Smith reported on consultation with WHA to chose gas contractors for the next 5 years. She felt that resident input was taken on board in the decision to continue with Status as heating contractors.
   
7. M Straker reported on consultation at Birmingham Heart, where residents from a number of RSL’s together with staff, looked at future new build plans and were asked to give views on how or if they would alter them. This information was then to be used in future plans.

8. Chairman reported that areas of involvement for 2007 were Sheltered Housing and Service Charges. This had already started with a visit to a Bromford Housing sheltered scheme.
 
9. B Mitchell reported on the charter update and spoke of the need to widen the scope of the Consultative Panel meeting.  It was agreed to inform Helen Scarrett with items for the agenda
       
10. Chairman spoke of work done by members on the post let inspection and that we now move forward with the Mystery shopping. Mavis was now going to get this organized.
 
11. All agreed that the committee training day had been a great success and would like to have another one on a different subject We were all to consider what item the next training day should be about.
 
12. Chairman reported on items so far arranged for the Residents Conference and of the need for input from all members to make this event a success.

13. Chairman produced the accounts for the year ended 31st Dec 2006 These were discussed in detail.
 
14. There being no other business Chairman thanked all for coming and closed meeting.
 
                                                    Next meeting TBA