Issue - meetings

Arising from a report from the Head of Housing and Property Services, the Homes Group had recommended that the revised Aids and Adaptations Policy be approved.

Arising from a * report of the Head of Housing and Property Services, the Homes Policy Development Group had recommended that the revised Aids and Adaptions Policy be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Housing stated that the policy had been revised to take into account who was eligible for assistance from the Council for aids and adaptions.  A new section had been added to the policy referring to servicing, repairs and maintenance of equipment such as stair lifts and lifting equipment as well as a section on installing personal adaptations.  He also made it clear that the Council would not fund any alterations or adaptations that may be required to the property following the purchase of a mobility vehicle.

Consideration was given to:

·         Issues with regard to the housing of a mobility scooter which may allow the tenant to remain independent

·         The fact that not all of the Council housing stock could be adapted due to its age

·         That new properties were built to lifetime standards

RESOLVED that the recommendation 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 Building Services Manager reviewing the Aids and Adaptations Policy.

The Group had before it a report * from the Building Services Manager reviewing the Aids and Adaptations Policy. It was explained that the revision to the policy contained only minor changes. Principally the revised document provided clarity to both officers and tenants. It included an update regarding tenants installing their own adaptations and who was responsible for repairs and maintenance. It also considered issues such as mobility scooters and who paid for what.

Discussion took place regarding the services of the repairs and maintenance team being offered to the private sector as a means of generating income for the Council. It was confirmed that the Council had undertaken approximately £100k of private sector work in the previous financial year but there were more commercial opportunities to be explored.

RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that the revised Aids and Adaptations Policy be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr D R Coren and seconded by Cllr Mrs G Doe)

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