Issue - meetings

To consider a proposed revised Housing Under-Occupation Policy.

The Executive considered a report in respect of a proposed revised Housing Under Occupation Policy.

In reply to a Member’s question, it was confirmed that the policy would apply to specialist housing (such as disabled properties), as well as general needs housing, and appropriate adaptations could be made to certain properties to allow tenants of specialist housing to downsize.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the reviewed Housing Under Occupation Policy, as attached at Appendix A to the report, be approved and adopted.

2.          That the results of the Downsizing pilot, as set out in the report, be noted.

3.          That it be noted that the budget for the Downsizing Officer role has been factored into the 2023/24 budget, and that beyond that, a growth bid will be submitted for the 2024/25 HRA Business Plan to maintain this role.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

The Executive considered a report in respect of a proposed revised Housing Under Occupation Policy.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing & Housing Development advised that the updated Under Occupation Policy included various amendments and incentives to encourage those living in homes that were too large for them (should they so wish) to downsize into more appropriate accommodation that may better serve their needs.  The policy aimed to support under-occupying council tenants who wished to downsize by providing them with practical support and financial assistance

The Portfolio Holder for Housing & Housing Development commented that moving into more appropriate homes benefitted residents by providing a home that was more manageable, both physically and financially.  As the cost of living crisis deepened, larger homes could lead to higher energy costs and some residents may meet the criteria for the under occupation tax on benefits. Therefore, helping tenants to downsize appropriately would ensure that the Council made best use of its housing stock by releasing larger properties for re-letting to overcrowded families and helping to reduce customer debt and Council rent arrears.

The Executive noted the results of the Downsizing pilot and that the necessary staffing requirements were to be built into the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan for a Downsizing Officer to be maintained.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing & Housing Development stated that the policy responded to the Future Town Future Council programme ambitions for Co-operative Neighbourhood Management and Excellent Council Homes by responding to tenants’ needs and priorities and developing a better housing service.

In reply to a Member’s question, it was confirmed that the policy would apply to specialist housing (such as properties for the disabled), as well as general needs housing, and appropriate adaptations could be made to certain properties to enable tenants to downsize.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the reviewed Housing Under Occupation Policy, as attached at Appendix A to the report, be approved and adopted.

2.          That the results of the Downsizing pilot, as set out in the report, be noted.

3.          That it be noted that the budget for the Downsizing Officer role has been factored into the 2023/24 budget, and that beyond that, a growth bid will be submitted for the 2024/25 HRA Business Plan to maintain this role.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.