Decision details

The Housing Portfolio Holder presented the report to Members.

He advised Members that the report included both refreshing existing policies and adopting new ones.

He highlighted that the Under Occupation Policy had been amended to include incentive payments, which consisted of a payment of £2,000 to tenants who moved from a house to a supported or sheltered property, and a payment of £1,000 to tenants liable to pay the under occupation charge who moved to a smaller Council or Housing Association property.

He informed Members that two new policies were to be introduced relating to garages and tenancy. The Garage Policy will enable the Council to review all garage sites and put them to the best possible use. Under the Tenancy Policy, he explained the two types of tenancy that the Council would now offer – Introductory Tenancies for new tenants, and Lifetime Secure Tenancies to existing tenants. As the latter would help  foster stable communities, and avoid transient neighbourhoods, he felt the Council should offer lifetime secure tenancies.

Councillor R Blunt stated that he would be happy to back the decision to stay with lifetime secure tenancies.

It was moved by Councillor R D Bayliss, seconded by Councillor R Blunt and

RESOLVED THAT:

Cabinet approves the adoption of the policies detailed in appendix A of the report.

Reason for decision: Policies have been reviewed and created to reflect the requirements of the service for the medium term.