Issue - meetings

Arising from a report of the Head of Housing and Property Services; the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group, had recommended that the revised Income Management Policy be approved.

Arising from a report of the Head of Housing and Property Services, the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group had recommended that the revised Income Management Policy be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Housing explained that the policy had been revised to take into account the different income streams that the housing service collects.  He reported that the Government had proposed a 1% cut in Council rent per year over a 4 year period; this would have an impact on the amount of rent collected, which would have implications on maintenance, repairs and the development of new social housing.  He also felt that the new Universal Credit scheme would have an impact on the tenants ability to pay rent and outlined the processes that took place with regard to the collection of arrears.

Discussion followed with regard to:

·         Clear processes for rent collection and any arrears

·         A possible legal challenge to the proposed legislation

·         The implications of the proposed legislation on the Housing Revenue Account

·         The recovery of current rent arrears.

RESOLVED that the recommendation of the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr N V Davey and seconded by Cllr C R Slade)

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

To receive a report from the Housing Services Manager reviewing the Housing Services Income Management Policy.

The Group had before it a report * from the Housing Services Manager reviewing the Housing Services Income Management Policy. The review of this policy reflected changes in good practice and allowed for any legislative changes to be updated accordingly.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         One of the Councils main income streams being housing rents and the necessity to maximise income wherever possible.

·         Neighbourhood Teams were responsible for this function and made regular contact with tenants who may have fallen behind with their rental payments. The system used within the Housing Service prompted action whenever arrears were due. A traffic light letter system was used which was helpful for vulnerable tenants or those whose first language was not English.

·         The Policy treated everybody fairly.

·         Every effort was made by officers to engage with tenants in order to avoid eviction including working with other agencies such as ‘Wiser£Money’ who could offer specialist advice to those struggling financially.

RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that the revised Housing Services Income Management Policy be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr W J Daw and seconded by Cllr Mrs E M Andrews)

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