Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the background and current situation with regard to the subsidy provided to Council sheltered housing tenants for the Be Independent service. It also seeks approval to end the current blanket subsidy and instead offer a means tested subsidy to tenants in Council Sheltered Housing in order to achieve a more equitable position.

Resolved: That the proposal to charge customers in sheltered housing schemes for using the Be Independent service be approved.

Reason: This will create an equitable position where all customers receive a subsidy based on an assessment of means, rather than some customers receiving a subsidy as a result of the type of housing they live in.

The Executive Leader considered a report that provided an update on the background and current situation with regard to the subsidy provided to Council sheltered housing tenants of the Be Independent service.

Officers gave an update and confirmed the proposal to remove the current blanket subsidy to tenants in Council sheltered housing and instead adopt a means tested approach, that was currently used in all other tenures, would achieve a more equitable position. They explained that Be Independent offered an out of hours emergency response service to customers in sheltered housing at a reduced charge of £4.30 per week compared to £7.00 per week in a general needs property.

In answer to the Executive Leaders questions officers confirmed:

·        customers on a low income would receive financial support to cover the cost of this service which was in line with customers in other tenure types.

·        consultation with tenants would be undertaken and would include site visits where 1-1 meetings would be offered to any tenants affected in order to discuss their financial circumstances and identify any impact or concerns.

The Executive Leader thanked officers for their report and noted that the charges were in line with general needs council housing and other sheltered housing properties. 

Resolved: That the proposal to charge customers in sheltered housing  schemes for using the Be Independent service be approved.

Reason: This will create an equitable position where all customers receive a subsidy based on an assessment of means, rather than some customers receiving a subsidy as a result of the type of housing they live in.

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