Issue - meetings

Arising from a report from the Head of Housing and Property Services, the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group had recommended that consultation take place with Council tenants in accordance with sections 102 and 103 of the Housing Act 1985 on the proposed changes to the draft Tenancy Agreement.

Arising from a *report from the Head of Housing and Property Services, the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group had recommended that the consultation take place with Council tenants in accordance with sections 102 and 103 of the Housing Act 1985 on the proposed changes to the draft Tenancy Agreement.

The Cabinet Member for Housing outlined the report highlighting the proposed changes within the report.

Consideration was given to the possible move away from charging rent over 48 weeks each year to charging rent over 52/53 weeks and the impact that would have on tenants.

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

(Proposed by Cllr  R L Stanley and seconded by Cllr N V Davey)

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

To receive a report from the Housing Services Manager seeking agreement to the proposed changes to the draft Tenancy Agreement prior to consultation with Tenants.

The Group had before it a report * from the Housing Services Manager seeking agreement to the proposed changes to the draft Tenancy Agreement prior to consultation with tenants.

The contents of the report were outlined with the following key issues being highlighted:

·         National housing policy had moved on since the last review and the Council had to comply with this;

·         Since the last review there had been the introduction of Flexible Tenancies; currently there were 9 different types, this document consolidated them.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         The Government’s initiative entitled ‘Pay to Stay’ which was currently progressing through the House of Lords and would mean that those earning more would pay more rent. It was likely that this would result in an increased administrative burden to the housing service;

·         The proposed move to charging rent over a 52 week period rather than 48. It was explained that no decision had been taken in relation to this matter yet but that a paper would be brought to the Group in due course. Administratively this would be easier and would fall in line with Government changes to the way benefits would be paid. However, there was some concern amongst the Group regarding the proposed change and they welcomed further discussion at a later stage;

·         The consultation process and whether tenants would be contacted individually; it was confirmed that they would.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet approve consultation with Council tenants in accordance with sections 102 and 103 of the Housing Act 1985 on the proposed changes to the draft Tenancy Agreement.

(Proposed by Councillor Mrs H Bainbridge and seconded by Councillor R Evans)

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