The
Cabinet had before it a report * from the Deputy Chief Executive
(S151) Officer and the Head of Housing and Health on the Housing
Rent Error update report.
The
Cabinet Member for Governance, Finance and Risk outlined the
contents of the report with particular reference to the
following:
- The
report provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing work to
address the historic housing rent setting error.
- He
emphasised that this was a live and active project.
- Since it first came to light, it had been subject to significant
scrutiny not only by Cabinet in December, but also through detailed
review by both the Homes Policy Development Group and the Audit
Committee.
- The
corrective work had progressed well, with external assurance
received, refunds were now being calculated and a clear strategy
was in place for reviewing historic possession cases.
- However, as the report outlined, there were still elements that
remained dependent on external factors, particularly the Department
for Work and Pensions, which meant that this work would continue to
evolve.
- The
Council was committed to transparency and accountability and
further updates would be brought back to Cabinet.
- The
Cabinet Member took the opportunity to acknowledge the
professionalism and the unwavering dedication of Officers in
handling this extraordinary situation.
- It
was not only the Senior Leadership Team and the Heads of Service
present this evening, but the collective effort across the entire
organisation that was driving the Council to resolve this matter,
their commitment ensured that the Council got the resolution
right.
- He was grateful for their hard work
and diligence.
RESOLVED that:
- That Cabinet note the tasks that had been further progressed in
order to correct this situation.
- The
overarching approach to the review of historic MDH possession
proceedings (evictions) where rent overpayments were made as set
out in section 2 of this report as recommended by the Homes Policy
Development Group be approved.
(Proposed by Cllr J Buczkowski and Seconded by Cllr J
Lock)
Reason for
Decision:
The
activity of MDH was funded through the HRA. The HRA was ring fenced
and subject to specific financial controls. Significant financial
modelling had been undertaken in order to reach some of the key
decisions being put forward in the Cabinet report in December
2024.
Note: *Report previously circulated.