Decision details

Purpose of report: To amend the existing private sector housing policy

For the council to offer grants and loans we must have in place an up to date Private Sector Housing Assistance policy.

The Executive Member will be asked to consider the existing policy in light of an internal review, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) Health Impact Assessment of poor housing conditions on health and the changes to the
government funding to maximise the opportunities for private sector residents to benefit.

Resolved:

a)   That the receipt of £1.101m from the Better Care Fund (BCF), complimented by the contribution from the Council’s own capital budget, be noted.

b)   That Option 1, to amend to the Private Sector Assistance Policy (the policy) and introduce a number of changes to the policy around the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) element, including some transitional arrangements, be agreed.

Reason:              To ensure that the increased DFG funding allocation is used effectively and offers a prompt and streamlined service which aims to prevent, reduce and delay need for NHS commissioned and Social Care services.