AGM Minutes 2024

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 10ᵗʰ MAY 2024 at 10.15am

Attendance: 66 participants, including 7 Directors and 4 members of staff.

Directors at the AGM

Paul Cunningham (Chair), Charles Clarke, Trevor Southgate (Secretary), Charlie Baker, Peter Bussey

(Treasurer), Paul Newson, Phil Walters

Apologies for absence

Brett Ashby

Acceptance of minutes of AGM held on 5th May 2023:

Minutes from 2023 included in AGM pack, no objections received. Trevor Southgate accepted, Charles

Clarkes seconded.

Chairman’s Report:

Paul Cunningham opened the meeting in his capacity as Chairman. He thanked sponsors, ELA staff and Directors for their work and time put in for the year, in particular Charlie Baker for her work on the new website which is due to be launched. In addition, mention to the Directors as follows: Phil Walters who has assisted with office management and related issues. Peter Bussey (Treasurer) who has assisted with the financial side of the Association, and Trevor Southgate who has assisted with the organising of the event. The Directors carry out these tasks in a voluntary capacity alongside the running of their own respective businesses. Heather MacKenzie who has joined as Office Manager and the office team, Andy Fretwell, Steve Haher and Carol Craven who keep the member side going.

Paul Cunningham reminded members of the difficulties of being a landlord, with an unprecedented number of landlords who are leaving the industry, interference by local authorities, selective licencing, increased homelessness all making demands on the private sector rentals and a shortage of rental properties. As Chair of ELA, Paul advised that he has attended meetings with Councils to reiterate that private sector landlords maybe part of the solution to meet the housing crisis, and a general election scheduled for some time this year. On a positive note, rental demands are high, and rental-income is buoyant with tenants looking to rent for life.

Paul Cunningham addressed the room with ‘Why join the ELA’? What can you buy for £70, the membership is good value for money, tax deductible and the office staff have helped save landlords money, with around 177 pieces of legislation around property. The ELA are here to make life easier

to landlord members.

Financial Statements year end 31 December 2023:

Peter Bussey (Treasurer) introduced himself to room, advising that finances are moving in the right directions, a copy of the balance sheet being included in the members AGM pack.

Interest rates increased, with £3000 being received, a major increase form the £120 interest received in the previous year. Most figures remains similar to [previous year with exception to membership numbers which have dropped down slightly. Peter asked the room if there were any

questions on the accounts and would be happy to address further questions after the meeting.

Question raised on the large increase in the legal expenses – Fosters Solicitors have been engaged to handle the Associations GDPR needs, this will be brought back in house in the near future. There is also an ongoing claim by a previous member of staff which resulted in a £5,000 insurance excess. The Directors are hoping that this will be resolved in the near future.

Accounts approved by Trevor Southgate. Carried by those attending.

Appointment of accountants for the year ending 31ˢᵗ December 2023:

An item of the agenda related to accountants, Lovewell Blake have been involved in the 2023 accounts and are recommended to carry on with the 2024 accounts. All agreed.

Appointment of Directors:

Votes from members to accept nominations – member advised that these votes are to be conducted separately:

One new appointment – Caroline Thompson Director

Charles Clarke has reapplied

Director – Paul Cunningham to be voted as Director (post as Chair will be voted at forthcoming Board meeting)

9 Directors on the Board in total.

Any other business relevant to AGM:

New Website:

Charlie Baker has been working on the new website, and a summary of slides have been included in the AGM pack. A brief demonstration followed, and the office staff are available to assist with queries when launch goes live. The in website will be updated with information, easier to navigate and should be more accessible to members. Any new legislation will be added to the Blog section and an email notification will be automated thereafter to keep members updated. Membership can also be paid online on the new website. Member log in and password resets will be rolled out over the next few weeks.

Charles Clarke asked about website stats to see how many numbers of visits we have, enquiries, etc. Charlie confirmed that the new website will be able to provide stats.

Member raised a query about addressing the media perception of being a landlord and breaking away from ‘tenant always being right mentality’. Paul Cunningham confirmed that this needs to be addressed with government and council assistance, as local authorities recognise that landlords are part of the solution to the housing crisis. The elections may impact on this, but as a regional landlord association the ELA are contacting councils and local authorities to raise the profile of landlords through the ELA, as the ELA checks landlords and this is part of the benefit of being a member, having reputable accreditation to reassure tenants.

Member asked if members are vetted prior to being accepted, Paul Cunningham confirmed that the Board of Directors do reasonable checks within the bounds of accessing public information.

Member asked if the website states why it is good to be a landlord? The industry nationwide has members leaving due to selling, or lifestyle changes, younger landlords are not coming forward, but landlords need support to keep up to date with legislation and industry changes. Tenants are aware of their rights and have support groups to fight on their behalf. Charlie Baker advised that the website can include testimonials from landlords and tenants to raise landlord profile.

Mandy from Southend mentioned that she hosts workshops and meetings via Zoom, these are almost every month to support landlords.

Member raised a query relating to NRLA compared to ELA – Paul Cunningham advised that the industry is very difficult at the moment, the NRLA does not offer a not-for-profit personal service that the ELA provide.

Paul Newson asked if the Chair would confirm reasons for leaving the NRLA? Paul Cunningham advised that members do not know the background between himself and NRLA. As time had overrun for the AGM and guest speakers were waiting to present, Paul Cunningham advised that he would be happy to discuss this further individually after the meeting.

Close of AGM:

Paul Cunningham closed the AGM at 10.50am