Issue - meetings

To consider and decide on the recommendations as set out in the attached report.

RESOLVED – 

1.     That the Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy 2021-2026, to take effect on 1 April 2021 and last for 5 years be adopted.

2.     That the existing policy be extended until 31 March 2021 be approved

3.     That authority be given to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Wellbeing to make any changes to the policy, including changes in legislation and budgetary pressures (provided it remained substantially within the agreed budget framework) be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION:

An updated policy would enable the Council to maximise the financial assistance it could provide to the disabled, vulnerable and those who required assistance.

James Cox, Private Sector Housing Manager introduced a report that recommended the adoption of an updated Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy.

Discussion and responses to Members questions included the following:

-       The present policy needed updating as it had now run its allocated 4 years.

-       Funding for the majority of the proposed assistance came from the Council’s annual Better Care fund allocation. 

-       A small number of applications were funded from the Council’s Housing Capital Reserve.

-       The policy was a working document that clearly stated the assistance the Council was proposing to offer.  In addition it described the eligibility criteria and additions attached to each specific form of assistance.

-       As part of the process for formulating the document a consultation exercise was undertaken.  No significant comments were received.

-       It was noted that this policy would bring significant benefits for those who were vulnerable and/or disabled. 

RESOLVED – 

1.    That the Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy 2021-2026, to take effect on 1 April 2021 and last for 5 years be adopted.

2.    That the existing policy be extended until 31 March 2021 be approved

3.    That authority be given to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Wellbeing to make any changes to the policy, including changes in legislation and budgetary pressures (provided it remained substantially within the agreed budget framework) be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION:

An updated policy would enable the Council to maximise the financial assistance it could provide to the disabled, vulnerable and those who required assistance.

To consider and provide a recommendation to Cabinet on the proposals set out in the attached report.

James Cox, Private Sector Housing Manager introduced a report that recommended the adoption of an updated Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy.

Discussion and responses to Members questions included the following:

-       The present policy needed updating as it had now run its allocated 4 years. 

-       The experience and improvements during the last 4 years were reflected in the proposed revised policy.

-       Funding for the majority of the proposed assistance came from the Council’s annual Better Care Fund allocation.  A small number of applications were funded from the Council’s Housing Capital Reserve.

-       The proposed new 5 year policy would also include an annual review to ensure the policy continued to operate to the benefit of residents, within budget and when necessary, be innovative to identify areas where the Council could provide additional assistance.

-       The policy was a working document that detailed the assistance the Council proposed to offer, along with a description of the eligibility criteria and conditions attached to each form of assistance. 

-       There were two types of assistance:

o   Mandatory Disabled Facility Grants – These were a legal obligation for the Council to provide with rules set nationally. This Grant provided financial support to provide essential and most needed adaptations to residents homes. 

o   Discretionary Assistance. This assistance was decided locally to reflect both local and national issues.  Discretionary assistance was divided into 3 areas:

§  Assistance allowing a wider range of financial support to disabled residents and their families along with a provision for a streamlined Grant for the speedy installation of essential equipment.

§  Assistance linked to hospital discharge and hoarding  projects.  This assistance provided for the cleaning of filthy or verminous homes, or for undertaking essential repairs. 

§  Assistance, when available, to assist on repairs at residents homes to improve energy efficiency and to assist to bring empty properties back into use.

-       Due to the uncertainty going forward of the Better Care Fund Allocation, where it was reasonable to do so, the Council would place a repayment condition for certain assistance.  This ensured the Council would be able to recycle funds that would help assist residents in the future.

-       A consultation process on the new proposed policy had been undertaken.  No significant comments had been received.

-       At the present time, funding from Government increased annually.  The amount received from Government covered all the works required.  TWBC would never commit to more than the amount of Discretionary Facilities Grant received from Government.  TWBC would only spend what was available.

-       The Warm Homes assistance and the Energy Efficiency assistance were completely separate from the Green Homes Grant. 

-       The work undertaken to ensure accessibility needs were met in the home were quite varied ranging from access ramps, stair lifts and extensions.  Ultimately it was dependent on need.

-       It was proposed and agreed to slightly amend recommendation 2 of the report to add that the delegation being proposed to include consultation with the Portfolio Holder. 

RESOLVED – That subject  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15