Issue - meetings

To receive a verbal update on the Downsizing incentives uptake.

The Group received an update from the Mid Devon Housing Customer Manager on the uptake of the Downsizing recommendations.

This included the following summary information:

·       The downsizing incentive was launched on the 14th July 2025 and as of Friday 14^th November, 23 households had formally registered to downsize. Of those 23, 12 were currently in three bedroom properties, 10 were in two bedroom properties and there was one six bedroom house. 

·       So far there had been a series of communications and engagement on downsizing with tenants. This had included newsletters and information on Facebook, the Council’s website, Let’s Talk Mid Devon and on the engagement hub.  Those most likely to benefit from the scheme were also targeted such as tenants that were in three bedroom or more properties. The Downsizing Scheme would continue to be publicised on various platforms. There needed to be a better understanding of what had worked and what hadn’t which could then be fed back into the project. Although the scheme had freed up some family sized homes, the uptake had been limited. It was currently having a small impact at the moment with the current policy being broadly in-line with  the Devon Home Choice policy, which meant no under occupation was allowed and downsizing had to be based on actual bedroom need. Those in a three or more bed property often had a preference to downsize to a two bed but they were only eligible for a one bed. The scheme was going to be formally reviewed in 12 months time as set out in the beginning of the scheme. The scheme could deliver meaningful benefits for tenants whilst also releasing much needed housing stock.

Discussion took place regarding:

·       Currently tenants could only bid on a property based on bedroom need. There were exceptions for people with a medical need, for example, if there was a situation where a carer needed to stay overnight.

·       The premise behind the scheme was to free up much needed housing stock in the fairest and most equitable way but the scheme was never going to be perfect for everybody hence the need for a 12 month review. If bedroom need could be demonstrated then this would be considered.

·       There wasn’t much more the service could do in terms of communication and advertising of the scheme. Some families had been in their properties for many many years and were extremely reluctant to move.

·       Different providers had different policies, there was limited consistency across the sector in terms of downsizing schemes.

·       Mutual exchanges with alternative providers and within MDH stock was an option open to tenants.