Decision details

Cabinet received a report detailing how the Council would consider vulnerability in line with expectations from the Regulator of Social Housing and the Housing Ombudsman.

Members agreed the importance for the Council as a landlord to be able to recognise and respond to challenges and to anticipate the need for reasonable adjustments in how services were provided in a non-judgemental way.  It was noted that a further round of consultation would be undertaken with tenants and prospective tenants on the Policy.

In response to a question, it was agreed that the issue of residents who had experienced the care system also had special vulnerability and should be considered as part of this policy.  Officers advised that a Joint Housing Protocol with Herts County Council was in place in relation to care leavers to ensure additional support was available.  Following further discussion, the Leader of the Council asked that further consideration be given by the Assistant Director and the Portfolio Holder for Housing to the suggestion of suspending the local connection criteria for those who had left the care system but had also left the area.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the duty placed on the Council under the Equality Act 2010, The Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard and the Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code for landlords to recognise and respond to vulnerability and to approve the Housing Services Vulnerability Policy at Appendix A be noted.

2.    That it be approved that the Vulnerability Policy be consulted on with tenants and prospective tenants for no less than four weeks and that following, the Strategic Director (RP), in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, be given delegated authority to approve the Policy and to implement minor updates and changes arising from new legislation or best practice.

Reason for Decision: As contained in the report.
Other Options considered: As contained in the report.