Agenda item

To consider the report of the Strategic Director of Operations.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the adoption of the new Housing Damp & Condensation Policy for the period 2025-2030.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which provided a summary of new Housing Damp & Condensation Policy 2025-2030 for adoption, to ensure that Exeter City Council met its statutory obligations under Awaab’s Law & the Regulator of Social Housing’s Consumer Standards.

Particular reference was made to:

·        there were a number of new and updated housing policies being presented at the meeting;

·        all the policies had been presented through consultation with the Tenants Voice group and Council Housing and Development Advisory Board;

·        the Housing Damp and Condensation Policy was a new policy to reflect the statutory obligations under new Awaab’s Law, and the Regulator of Social Housing  Consumer Standards that come into force in 2024; and

·        adopting the policy would provide a consistent framework for staff and contractors, in ensuring accountability and transparency.

During the debate, the following points were made:

·        the new policy and legislation was welcomed;

·        the inclusion of advice leaflets to new tenants, preventive measures following received reports and reactive work was important;

·        the 11 positive commitments in section 2 of the policy were welcomed, and it was enquired if there were any timescales?

·        the proactive approach, over a reactive approach was welcomed and further details were requested;

·        had retrofitting reduced mould/damp issues?

·        damp and mould had serious impacts on lives, both in social and private housing;

·        the council should be commended for be pro-active  in addressing the issue;

·        the report outlined both proactive measures and effective actions being taken;

·        concern was raised about officer  capacity to deliver proactive and reactive actions given current workload pressures;

·        the national direction to move away from blaming tenant lifestyles was supported.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Homelessness Prevention and Customer Services spoke to the item and thanked officers for the work undertaken and advised that it had been welcomed by the Tenants Voice group and Council Housing and Development Advisory Board.

An opposition group leader raised the following points and questions:

·        welcomed the importance of the policy; and

·        enquired as to what extent did the policy overlap with the Home Adaptations Policy, for major or minor work?

In response to questions raised, the Strategic Director for Operations and the Strategic Director for People and Communities advised that:

·        the timescales for the 11 positive commitments were set out in procedure and in Awaab’s Law and could be shared outside the meeting. The Council would always follow best practice required in relation to timescales;

·        a proactive approach meant that any officer or contractor r in contact with a property must engage with tenants, observe conditions, and report signs of damp/mould;

·        formal housing stock inspections would also increase as part of a proactive approach;

·        retrofitting had provided a positive impact to improved affordable warmth and insulation. There were still some issues to address including enhanced ventilation strategies;

·        team capacity was an issue particularly with changes to legislation; however, work was already underway to understand the future demands of the impending new legislation on enhancing tenants’ rights both in terms of the Councils role as a social landlord but also in the context of new powers  expected in relation to Private Sector Landlords. In anticipation of increased demands, a review of tenancy management and private sector housing services was being undertaken with the aim of modernising and delivering on the new legislative requirements;

·        the Tenant’s Voice group had recently produced a report on their spotlight review of Damp and Mould which had provided positive feedback and highlighted areas for improvement, particularly regarding the language and response from staff and contractors;

·        the Interim Head of Service was responding to the recommendations in the report and how changes would be implemented to ensure staff were aware of how their practices impacted tenants and how these were to be improved; and

·        the majority of the statements of need (as required, for major adaptations from a social care occupational therapist) were mainly focussed on mobility related adaptations, including stair lifts, ramps and internal modifications to aid mobility. It was very unusual to receive a statement of need relating to needs that would result in a retrofit to improve energy consumption and reduce bills.

The Leader moved, and Councillor Wright seconded, the recommendations which were voted upon and CARRIED unanimously.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the adoption of the new Housing Damp & Condensation Policy for the period 2025-2030.