Issue - meetings

Arising from a report of the Group Manager for Housing reviewing the weeks over which rent was charged on a yearly basis, the Homes Policy Development Group has recommended that Council tenants be charged rent over 52 weeks each year and not 48 as currently charged.

Arising from a report of the Group Manager for Housing reviewing the weeks over which rent was charged on a yearly basis, the Homes Policy Development Group had recommended that Council tenants be charged rent over 52 weeks each year and not 48 as currently charged.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Property Services outlined the contents of the report stating that this change would bring rent payments into line with Universal Credit.

RESOLVED that the recommendation of the Policy Development Group be approved.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note:  *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.

To receive a report from the Group Manager for Housing Services reviewing the number of weeks over which rent is charged on a yearly basis.

The Group had before it a report * from the Group Manager for Housing Services reviewing the weeks over which rent was charged on a yearly basis.

The officer outlined the contents of the report and made reference to the following key factors:

·         385 tenants were in receipt of Universal Credit. Some of these tenants were in a vulnerable position having to learn how to manage their money which was paid directly to them on a monthly basis.

·         The Tenants Together Group had been consulted on the proposed change from 48 weeks to 52 weeks and there had been no feedback from them.

·         This was just a proposal at this stage and if approved by the Cabinet the Housing Act 1985 would require the Council to conduct a full consultation with the whole tenant base before any changes could be implemented.

Consideration was given to the following:

·         The average rental costs of council owned properties depending on the number of bedrooms.

·         Tenants would be encouraged to move to direct debit payments where they had not already done so.

·         Tenants had an obligation to pay their rent regardless of whether or not they are in receipt of Universal Credit.

RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that Council tenants be charged rent over 52 weeks each year and not 48 as currently.

(Proposed by Cllr J Cairney and seconded by Cllr B Holdman)

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.