Issue - meetings

(a)       That the latest financial position for rent arrears in 2019/20, as provided during the meeting be noted; and

(b)       That the thanks of the Committee be passed to officers within the Revenue Team for the work being carried out to continue to reduce the rent arrears.

The Chief Officer (Housing & Assets) introduced the quarterly update on rent collection including the latest position for the current financial year, following the last update report in February 2019.

The Revenues Manager advised that the total rent arrears in 2019/20, up to week 34 (25/11/2019) was £2.23m, compared to £2.38m at the same point in 2018/19, which showed an improved collection position with overall rent falling by £150k.  He commented that steady progress was being made to reduce rent arrears, and this was being achieved as a direct result of the following:-

• Increased resources
• Introducing an early intervention hub to assist those tenants at most risk of losing their homes
• Adopting a more robust stance around the importance of paying rent on time
• Investing in Mobysoft ‘Rent Sense’ Software.

The Revenues Manager explained that the deployment of the Mobysoft ‘Rent Sense’ software was helping the service to identify rent arrear cases quickly and earlier interventions were being put in place on a case by case basis to prevent arrears building-up but ensuring that tenants met their payment obligations.

The Chairman welcomed the outcome and robustness of the new software and service.

            Councillor Patrick Heesom asked whether there would an impact on the Council if a Registered Social Landlord evicted a tenant.  The Chief Officer (Housing & Assets) advised that Clwyd Alyn Housing Association had adopted a no-eviction policy.

            Councillor Bernie Attridge thanked officers for the report and welcomed the reduction in rent arrears.  He raised concerns around tenants being encouraged to take out debt relief orders through advertisements and asked whether this would impact the ability for the Council to claim back owed rent.  The Revenues Manager explained that provision was made for debt relief orders but this was monitored to ensure tenants did not apply for second debt relief orders.

            Councillor Heesom complemented officers and the team for the way in which they were assisting tenant in debt to facilitate their ability to keep their home and reduce their debt.

            In response to a question from Councillor David Wisinger, the Revenues Manager explained that roughly 140 tenants owed between £2500 and £5000 in rent. 

            Councillor Attridge moved the recommendation outlined within the report, with an additional recommendation that the thanks of the Committee be passed to officers within the Revenue Team for the work being carried out to continue to reduce the rent arrears.  This was seconded by Councillor Heesom.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the latest financial position for rent arrears in 2019/20, as provided during the meeting be noted; and

(b)       That the thanks of the Committee be passed to officers within the Revenue Team for the work being carried out to continue to reduce the rent arrears.