Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing setting out the draft project plan relating to a review of tenure used by Mid Devon Housing (MDH).

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing providing a draft project plan relating to a review of tenure used by Mid Devon Housing (MDH).

The following was highlighted within the report:

·       As a landlord, the Council had been using flexible tenancies since 2013. The need to make best use of the housing stock influenced the decision to introduce this form of tenure, however, the use of flexible tenancies could be problematic. Not only could it sometimes be intrusive for tenants but there was also a considerable administrative burden upon the service.

·       Flexible tenancies were issued for a fixed term and therefore it was more difficult to vary the terms and conditions of each one. However, good practice and the requirements relating to consultation dictated that these tenants should also be consulted on tenure reform and any proposed changes to the tenancy agreement so that their views could be taken into consideration. It was therefore suggested that, not only would it be helpful to set up a Member Working Group but also a Tenant Focus Group in order to encourage as much participation as possible.

·       For this reason, the project plan set out a timetable which would result in the adoption of a new tenancy agreement in November 2024. 

Consideration was given to the various methods of tenant engagement from using social media and holding face to face events around the district. MDH continued to try to be proactive and adaptive in its approach to tenant engagement.

It was AGREED to set up a Working Group to review the outcomes arising from the use of flexible tenancies, to receive relevant data and other evidence to inform discussion. The group would meet three times and would be required to review feedback from tenants. It would then make recommendations relating to tenure reform back to the Homes Policy Development Group. The Group appointed Councillors: A Glover, N Letch and H Tuffin to the Working Group.

Note: * Report previously circulated.