Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director City Development.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the adoption of the new Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy for the period 2023-2027.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report on adopting the revised Tenancy Strategy and Policy following a review and consultation. The Council was required as a social landlord, to have a Tenancy Strategy outlining the expectations for all social landlords who operated in Exeter.

Particular reference was made to the recommendation to agree a return to lifetime tenancies in the policy which had been suggested following the review.

Councillor Jobson, as an opposition group leader, spoke on this item and advised she had some concerns which she would raise with officers outside of the meeting.

Councillor M. Mitchell, as an opposition group leader, welcomed the return to lifetime tenancies in the policy.

Councillor Moore, as an opposition group leader, welcomed the move from 

fixed term tenancies and enquired about the survivorship policy and to whom it applied.

Executive Members debated the report and welcomed the outcome for moving back to lifetime tendencies having considered evidence and research into the matter.

The Assistant Director of Housing advised that the survivorship policy was dependent on individual cases but there were exceptions to prevent evictions and agreed to discuss individual circumstances and scenarios with Members outside of the meeting.

The Portfolio Holder for Council Housing Development and Support Services

commended the report.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the adoption of the new Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy for the period 2023-2027.