Agenda item

To receive a report from the Head of Housing and Health on the Mid Devon Housing (MDH) Mobility Scooter in Flats Policy setting out the conditions under which tenants and their visitors may use, store and charge mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs within Mid Devon Housing flats and communal areas.

Cabinet had before it a report * from the Head of Housing and Health setting out the proposed new policy in relation to mobility scooters in flats.

RESOLVED that:

Cabinet recommends to Council to adopt the Mobility Scooter in Flats Policy and Equality Impact Assessment contained in Annexes A and B respectively as recommended by the Homes Policy Development Group.

Note: *Report previously circulated

Cabinet had before it a report * from the Head of Housing and Health setting out the proposed new policy in relation to mobility scooters in flats.

The Leader of the Council outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following: 

• The policy had been supported by the Homes Policy Development Group (PDG) in September, this was a new safety-led policy. The introduction followed recent national guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council and locally from Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service regarding the fire risks associated with mobility scooters in blocks of flats.
• Until recently, MDH only had one block of flats with a single lift not in itself suited to traditional mobility scooters. However, with the acquisition of St Georges Court in Tiverton with its multiple, larger lifts and with the increased use of smaller, more portable scooters there was a requirement for this policy for the first time.
• Whilst the use of mobility scooters was recognised and the importance of these to enable many individuals to maintain independence and have an improved quality of life, it should be noted they were not medical devices but defined as leisure vehicles and as such, not prescribed by the NHS and did not meet recognised safety standards. They were also not included within any formal, tenant-specific ‘statement of needs’ for those with mobility restrictions as provided by qualified, independent occupational therapists who set out any property adaption requirements for the Council tenants as well as those in private sector housing. As such, mobility scooters and the provision of any infrastructure or charging facilities to accommodate these had not been included in the Housing Aids and Adaptions policy for many years.
• Furthermore, MDH had an overriding, priority statutory responsibility to uphold high standards of health and safety across its estates. In fulfilling this duty, Housing was required to ensure that the use of mobility vehicles within flats and communal areas complied with all relevant legal and safety requirements and guidance so that all tenants were protected from fire risk.
• These risks could arise not just from fires arising from batteries and charging but also from a potential blockage to the safe access and egress via communal areas in flats, especially in upper floor areas during an emergency.
• The new policy was consistent with the Council’s long-standing position on scooters and adapting the Council properties, MDH was committed to equality and inclusion and recognised the vital role these aids played in helping residents engage in daily activities and community life.
• A few Councils with housing stock and private housing associations had implemented equivalent policies in recent years and these were reviewed as part of the local policy development work.
• The policy therefore represented a careful balancing act that ensured tenants were safe whilst welfare needs were accommodated as far as possible.

Discussion took place with regards to:

• Discussions about E- Bike and E-Scooters? It was explained this was referenced within the report about the risk and the Council was awaiting further guidance to include these, however they would have different risks. A further report would be provided in due course via the Home PDG.
• The original manufacturer-supplied chargers and Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and replacements were supplied by the original manufacturer/supplier.
• Restricted charging at night, from 8pm to 8am – this would reduce the risk to those who were asleep, how would this be enforced? It was explained that home visits would be scheduled, and tenants would be required to comply with the policy.

RESOLVED that:

Cabinet recommends to Council to adopt the Mobility Scooter in Flats Policy and Equality Impact Assessment contained in Annexes A and B respectively as recommended by the Homes Policy Development Group.

(Proposed by the Leader of the Council)

Reason for Decision:

As a registered provider of social housing, the Council must comply with the regulatory standards set by the Regulator of Social Housing. In particular, that it complied with all relevant safety legislation including the mitigation and management of fire risks and meet the wider requirements of the statutory Safety and Quality Standard (consumer standard).

Note: *Report previously circulated