Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the way in which tenants in sheltered housing, and sheltered with care housing, will be affected by the proposed housing re-structure. It seeks approval to proceed with the proposed changes as part of the wider changes in the approach to housing management across the council owned stock.

Resolved:

(i)           That the proposal for providing housing management services to tenants in sheltered housing as part of a re-focussed housing landlord service be approved.

(ii)          That following appropriate consultation with tenants, the on site service provision in Gale Farm Court and Barstow House be changed to bring them in line with other sheltered housing schemes.

Reason: To bring these schemes in line with the other sheltered schemes and support the proposals to restructure the landlord service.

The Executive Leader considered a report that provided an update on the way in which tenants in sheltered housing and sheltered with care housing would be affected by the proposed housing re-structure.

Officers gave an update and confirmed there were 11 sheltered housing and sheltered with care schemes in York that provided self contained accommodation with access to communal areas and an element of on site staffing. They explained the variety of schemes available to tenants that provided safe, appropriate and sustainable homes for those who needed supported housing. 

The Executive Leader noted that currently 7 sheltered housing schemes had an housing officer on site for 24 hours per week and the proposal to reduce the hours at Barstow House and Gale Farm Court, to bring them in line with other sheltered housing schemes, would provide a holistic housing management service with continued regular welfare checks and emergency response.

In order to support the new approach officers explained how an Active Communities Officer role would be created. This role would develop volunteering, community activity and community cohesion across the housing stock with particular reference to sheltered housing schemes. The Executive Leader agreed this new role would benefit tenants and would actively involve local people to reduce social isolation and develop strong communities. 

In answer to the Executive Leaders questions officers confirmed they would write to and consult with all tenants as a group or individually to ensure they were aware of and understood the new arrangements.

Resolved:

(i)            That the proposal for providing housing management services to tenants in sheltered housing as part of a re-focussed housing landlord service be approved.

(ii)           That following appropriate consultation with tenants, the on site service provision in Gale Farm Court and Barstow House be changed to bring them in line with other sheltered housing schemes.

Reason: To bring these schemes in line with the other sheltered schemes and support the proposals to restructure the landlord service.