Issue - meetings

To receive the draft Housing Income and Arrears Recovery Policy 2026–2028 which set out Stevenage Borough Council's approach to managing housing income, including current and former rent, service charges and other housing-related debt, and establishes a consistent, fair, proportionate and effective framework for income collection and arrears recovery.

Cabinet received a report outlining the draft Housing Income and Arrears Recovery Policy 2026–2028 which set out Stevenage Borough Council's approach to managing housing income, including current and former rent, service charges, recharges and other housing-related debt, and which established a consistent, fair, proportionate and effective framework for income collection and arrears recovery.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the content and the adoption of the draft Housing Income and Arrears Recovery Policy 2026–2028 as set out at Appendix A to the report be approved

2.    That the Strategic Director (RP), after consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, be given delegated authority to make minor updates and changes to this policy in line with legislative changes and best practice guidance.

Cabinet received a report outlining the draft Housing Income and Arrears Recovery Policy 2026–2028 which set out Stevenage Borough Council's approach to managing housing income, including current and former rent, service charges, recharges and other housing-related debt, and which established a consistent, fair, proportionate and effective framework for income collection and arrears recovery.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing advised that she was aware that financial difficulties could arise through circumstances beyond an individual’s control, including ill health, loss of employment, changes in income or issues relating to benefits.  This policy placed a strong emphasis on early intervention, engagement and support to help tenants manage arrears and reach affordable repayment arrangements. She reiterated that the primary objective was to sustain tenancies and avoid eviction wherever possible although it was recognised that enforcement action might be required as a last resort in cases where tenants persistently failed to pay rent or engage with the Council.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the content and the adoption of the draft Housing Income and Arrears Recovery Policy 2026–2028 as set out at Appendix A to the report be approved

2.    That the Strategic Director (RP), after consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, be given delegated authority to make minor updates and changes to this policy in line with legislative changes and best practice guidance.