Issue - meetings
Change of Approach for Current Rent Arrears Enforcement
Meeting: 10/11/2020 - Cabinet (Item 49)
49 Change of Approach for Current Rent Arrears Enforcement 
PDF 245 KB
Report of the Strategic Director of Housing and Customer Services
Presented by the Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder
Additional documents:
- Enc. 1 for New Approach to Rent Arrears, item 49
PDF 274 KB
- Enc. 2 for New Approach to Rent Arrears, item 49
PDF 327 KB
- Enc. 3 for Change of Approach for Current Rent Arrears Enforcement, item 49
PDF 174 KB
Minutes:
Councillor R Bayliss presented the report to Cabinet, setting out the proposed changes in approach to managing rent arrears in order to improve the support offered to tenants during the current pressures caused by COVID-19. Therefore, taking the humane approach of better supporting those in need to prevent the risk of child poverty and homelessness, whilst also protecting the Council’s HRA income in the long term.
Members were supportive of the proposals, especially the reference to ensuring that tenants in arrears received a direct personal contact and offer of assistance from an officer in the first instance rather than a less personal approach by letter.
It was moved by Councillor R Bayliss, seconded by Councillor T Gillard and
RESOLVED THAT CABINET:
Approves the proposed changes to the approach to managing rent
arrears, noting the comments from Community Scrutiny and that the funding is subject to Council approval.
Reason for decision: To enable the Housing Service to implement changes to maximise support and rental income.