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 Tenancy Inspection 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 Tenancy Inspection Policy be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Housing outlined the contents of the report stating that the revised policy provided a framework for staff which set out how they could make the best use of the housing stock by carrying out regular tenancy inspections.

RESOLVED that the revised policy 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 reviewing the Tenancy Inspection Policy.

The Group had before it a report * of the Housing Services Manager presenting the revised Tenancy Inspection Policy.

The officer outlined the contents of the report explaining that the review of this policy reflected changes in good practice and legislative changes.  It provided a framework for staff which set out how they could make the best use of the housing stock by carrying out regular tenancy inspections.  The policy explained the purpose of carrying out tenancy inspections, the type of information collected during an inspection and the action that would be taken where concerns were raised. Tenants Together had approved the draft Tenancy Inspection Policy at their meeting on 9 June 2016.

The officer further explained that Tenancy Home Checks were important not only to ensure that properties were kept in good order and who was living in them but could be used to engage with tenants, to check for additional needs and to direct tenants to other support agencies.

During June officers had undertaken 59 Tenancy Home Checks.  The first three attempts to undertake a Home Check were unannounced but having given 24 hours’ notice tenants were obliged to allow access to the property.

Discussion took place regarding the benefits of inspections including ‘putting a face to the Council’ and the fact that officers generally received a good reception.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet approve the revised Tenancy Inspection Policy.

(Proposed by Cllr Mrs E M Andrews and seconded by Cllr D R Coren)

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