Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) and the Head of Housing & Health providing a further update on the corrective measures completed and next steps to rectify an identified historic rent setting error. It follows a series of regular updates to the Policy Development Group, most recent of which was at the previous meeting in September 2025.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) and the Head of Housing and Health providing a further update on the corrective measures completed and next steps to rectify an identified historic rent setting error.

The following information was highlighted:

·       100% of non-benefit current tenancy cases had been processed and refunds offered where due. Not included within those were the cases that involved tenants in receipt of Universal Credit. The Council could not process these without further support and guidance from the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions). DWP had informed the Council that they were waiting for a ministerial letter to be signed off and until that was received these particular cases could not be processed.

·       The team were now starting to look at former tenancies.

·       The report, when written, stated that £169k had been refunded, since then it was confirmed that £238k had now refunded with further cases processed and refunds claimed. There was also a higher number of unclaimed refunds as a result of more cases been updated and thehe numbers would continue to move. Where there were unclaimed amounts the tenants had been contacted and everything was being done to help tenants receive what was due to them, including reducing outstanding balances on their rent accounts where appropriate. The team had also been engaging vulnerable tenants, for example where English was not the first language, to assist where they could.

·       The Regulator of Social Housing was content with the progress that was being made following a further monitoring meeting on 13 November.

·       Another update would come to the PDG once the implications of the ministerial letter were better understood and to provide a further update on progress with former tenancy cases.

Discussion took place regarding:

·       It was confirmed that if a tenant passed away then contact would be made with the next of kin to ensure the refund was returned to the family.

·       As the Housing Revenue Account was ring fenced any monies held here would be secure regardless of Local Government Reorganisation and would pass to the new authority for correct transfer where needed. 

Note: (i)       * Report previously circulated.

(ii)      Cllr A Glover declared a personal interest in that she was a Council Tenant.