Decision details

The report of the Head of Environmental Health Services was submitted informing members of the financial assistance awarded to private sector households in 2009-10 and proposing changes to the types and levels of financial assistance that will be available in 2010-11. 

The Director Community and Environment reported that the financial assistance packages formed one of the policy tools available to improve housing conditions in the private sector housing stock in Exeter. The 39,600 private sector dwellings comprised owner-occupied and privately rented properties, of which 7% were estimated to be Houses in Multiple Occupation.  A member expressed concern that financial assistance packages might encourage speculative and irresponsible landlords to purchase property, resulting in a loss of family accommodation.  Whilst acknowledging this concern, the Chair commented that a significant private rented sector was a desirable option for an urban area and that enforcement measures were in place to encourage landlords to keep their properties in an acceptable state of repair. 

Members welcomed the low interest Home Improvement Loans which had replaced renovation grants as the scheme enabled the re-circulation of money for the improvement of properties. In response to questions regarding Disabled Facilities Grants, the Director Community and Environment responded that these were mandatory and subject to specified timescales for approval.  It would be necessary to monitor the allocation closely and if necessary re-allocate funding from another scheme or review the prioritisation criteria.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at its meeting on 1 June 2010 and the comments and support of Members were noted.

Executive resolved that:-

(1)     the adoption of changes to the Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy in respect of financial assistance packages outlined in the report be approved;

(2)     the close monitoring of the expenditure of the single pot allocation be approved with the proposed financial allocation to each of the schemes proposed or further schemes to be developed to be subject to approval by the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Community Involvement and the Head of Environmental Health Services;

(3)     the annual review, or sooner if needs be, of the policy be approved in order to ensure that it properly addresses local needs and/or government policy.