Issue - meetings

That the latest financial position for rent collection in 2020/21, as set out within the report, be noted.

The Chief Officer (Housing & Assets) introduced the operational update on rent collection and rent arrears for 2020/21. 

The Revenues Manager advised that the total rent arrears in 2020/21, up to week 34 (23/11/2020) was £2.49m, compared to £2.31m at the same point in 2019/20.  The Rent Income service continued to fully support tenants and ensure intervention and regular communication was maintained to prevent further legal action being taken to ensure tenants met their payment obligations. 

            The Covid-19 emergency situation had impacted on the ability of some tenants to pay on time, however, in cases where tenants did not engage or pay, despite all of the offers of help and support, the service was no re-activating rent recovery, including through the courts where necessary, to ensure tenants kept to the terms of their tenancy agreements.

            The Revenues Manager provided a detailed presentation which covered the following areas:-

·         Re-cap on Rent Arrears over the decade;

·         Recap -2019/20 Rent Collection outturn;

·         19/20 and the 20/21 impacts;

·         Tenants claiming Universal Credit;

·         Rent Collection: 20/21 Latest Position (to week 36);

·         Movement in Arrear levels (Apr to Nov);

·         Rent Arrears -the local and national challenges;

·         Current Tenant Arrears % by LA (anonymised);

·         Recovery Planning for 20/21 and 21/22

The Cabinet Member praised the investment in the in Mobysoft ‘Rent Sense’ Software which had assisted officers in identifying tenants early to provide support and assistance.

Councillor George Hardcastle asked if a breakdown of the levels of rent arrears for tenants above £5,000 could be provided together with information on the highest figures of rent arrears.  It was agreed that this information be circulated to Members confidentially following the meeting.

The recommendation outlined within the report was moved by Councillor Ron Davies and seconded by Councillor Adele Davies-Cooke. 

            RESOLVED:

That the latest financial position for rent collection in 2020/21, as set out within the report, be noted.