Agenda item

This report presents the new Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy and highlights the changes and additions made since the previous policy was published in 2012.

The report presented the new Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy and

highlights the changes and additions made since the previous policy was

published in 2012.

Adrian Hammond, Housing Strategy Manager presented members with an update explaining the policy is a key element of the Council’s overall Housing Strategy for the district, supporting the continued investment in the improvement of the private sector housing stock in the district.

He informed that it will assist the more vulnerable and sick people on low incomes to remain in their homes longer, thus preventing them from prematurely accessing the hospital and care systems.

The policy also enables timely discharge from hospital where housing conditions are preventing discharge in line with the requirements of the Government’s Better Care Fund.

As part of the draft policy, Mr Hammond informed that the Council will continue to provide:

·         Disabled facilities grants to enable vulnerable people to live independently in their homes;

·         Home safe loans for vulnerable home owners on low incomes to enable them to carry out essential repairs to their homes;

·         Joint working with other agencies to help with urgent works and care to enable the vulnerable to be discharged from hospital to an environment that is suited to their needs;

·         The provision of a handy man service so that vulnerable low income home owners can carry out minor urgent repairs in their homes;

·         Continued loan investment in partnership with KCC to work towards bringing long-term empty homes back into use.

Following consideration at Cabinet on 18 July 2018 and, if approved, a period of consultation will follow.

Following a number of questions members were informed:

·         Home safe loans – it is anticipated that 5-10 cases will be assisted each year with not all needing the full amount of potential loan funding.

·         Broken conditions – there have been no recent cases of this but officers would work together with the residents and legal team to look at individual cases should this arise.

·         Winter warmth loans – this will be available to households on means tested benefits.

·         Handy person’s scheme – this is a well-used service with at least 85 cases per year.

·         Transfer of care – officers are working with hospital staff to assist individuals and their needs when being discharged and works are being carried out in and around the home such as ramps for wheelchairs or bathroom hand rails, all things that will make life easier for individuals and prevent any delay in their discharge.

It is good practice to go in this direction and government are encouraging this and we are already ahead of other councils in implementing these changes

·         Publicity – the public will be advised the consultation process is taking place and that they are able to express their views on the draft policy. Officers specifically agreed to inform current and former service users about the consultation process.

Proposed by Councillor Michael Lyons

Seconded by Councillor Clive Goddard and

Resolved: To receive and note Report C/18/18.

(Voting: For 8; Against 0; Abstentions 1)