Issue - meetings

The report of the Head of Environmental Health Services was submitted proposing specific changes to the Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy in order to address local needs, as identified in the on-going private sector house condition survey, with particular regard to achieving the Government’s target for decent homes in the private sector.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 5 June 2007 and the support and comments of members were noted.  At the request of members, the Director Community and Environment undertook to circulate to members summary information regarding the assistance schemes available.  

RECOMMENDED that:-

(1)        the changes to the Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy outlined in the report be agreed;

(2)        the expenditure of the single pot allocation be monitored and the proposed financial allocation to each of the schemes proposed or further schemes be developed with the approval of the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Social Inclusion; and

(3)        the Policy be reviewed annually, or sooner if needs be, in order to ensure that it addresses local needs and / or government policy.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Head of Environmental Health Services – report circulated. 

The Head of Environmental Health Services presented the report seeking specific changes to the Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy in order to address local needs, as identified in the on-going private sector house condition survey, with particular regard to achieving the Government’s target for decent homes in the private sector. 

The following responses were made to Members’ questions:-

·        the changes to the Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy were being advertised through press releases, articles in the local press and other marketing methods;

·        although the grants offered covered the removal of items from loft spaces to encourage the uptake of loft insulation, the Council did not take possession of the loft contents; and

·        eligibility for support was means tested and therefore excluded well off individuals. The condition of the house was also important in determining the applicability of grant support e.g. a renovation grant would only be given in relation to a house in poor repair.

Scrutiny Committee - Community supported the report and requested Executive to:-

(1)   adopt the changes to the Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy outlined in the report; 

(2)   ensure the monitoring of the expenditure of the single pot allocation with the proposed financial allocation to each of the schemes proposed or further schemes being developed with the approval of the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Social Inclusion; and

(3)   ensure the review of the policy annually, or sooner if necessary, in order to ensure that it addresses local needs and/or Government policy.

(Report circulated)