Issue - meetings

This report presents a new Rechargeable Repairs Policy for consideration and approval.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To note the content of the report including the results of the resident consultation exercise and the Equality Impact Assessment

(2)      To approve the Housing Rechargeable Repairs Policy for implementation.

Councillor Southwood (Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform) introduced the report which set out a new Rechargeable Repairs Policy for review and adoption.

Cabinet noted that the Council currently had no policy in place which enabled former and current tenants and leaseholders to be recharged for responsive repair, void or maintenance costs which resulted directly from their intentional damage and actions or negligence.  Members were assured that the primary objective of the policy was to discourage wilful neglect and or abuse of council property, with the policy designed to act as a preventative rather than punitive measure to assist in changing behaviours and hold to account the small minority of individuals not taking responsibility for the upkeep of their property.

In considering the policy. Members noted the safeguards established for vulnerable residents with diagnosed or suspected mental health or other support issues along with the appeals process which had been included as part of the Council’s responsibilities as a good social landlord.

Cabinet expressed their support for the policy, recognising it as a fair approach with clear expectations being placed on tenants and leaseholders as part of the Council’s role as a social landlord and contribution it would also make towards supporting the effective maintenance of the Council’s housing stock.

As a result Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To note the content of the report including the results of the resident consultation exercise and the Equality Impact Assessment

(2)      To approve the Housing Rechargeable Repairs Policy for implementation.