Issue - meetings

This report outlines the Councils approach to financial hardship for people who live in council homes during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery period and sets out a proposal for creation of a targeted hardship fund. 

Resolved:

     i.        That the support currently available to people who live in council homes from the Housing Service be noted.

    ii.        That the implementation of a Housing Hardship Fund as set out in Annex A be approved.

Reason:     To ensure that further targeted support for people who live in council homes can be offered during the Covid recovery period whilst also ensuring appropriate financial controls are in place.

The Executive Member considered a report that outlined the Councils approach to financial hardship for people who live in council homes during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery period. The report detailed a proposal for creation of a targeted hardship fund. 

The Head of Housing detailed the support available to council tenants and noted that this had been in place during the COVID-19 outbreak in the form of welfare calls of which 68% of the 7200 council tenants had been contacted by council staff. He added that the data for this period was being analysed. An update was given on the current position and it was noted that there had been an increase of 400 families in rent arrears (2593 in arrears as at 22 March 2020 and 2960 as at 13 September 2020) and within that period a decrease in the amount owed in arrears with a modest decrease in arrears over the last month.

The work undertaken by officers to support and advise tenants on benefits available to them was highlighted. The Executive Member welcomed the work being undertaken and support being offered to people living in council homes. In response to a question from her concerning the MHCLG, the Head of Housing confirmed that the implementation of a Housing Hardship Fund as set out in Annex A did not require approval from MHCLG.

Resolved:

     i.        That the support currently available to people who live in council homes from the Housing Service be noted.

    ii.        That the implementation of a Housing Hardship Fund as set out in Annex A be approved.

Reason:     To ensure that further targeted support for people who live in council homes can be offered during the Covid recovery period whilst also ensuring appropriate financial controls are in place.