Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Cabinet Member for Housing sought approval for the implementation of a series of amendments to current housing policies that were necessary for the Neighbourhood Housing Service to be able to respond proactively to the Welfare Reform Act 2012.

Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee, at its meeting on 23 January 2013, received a report detailing the measures that the Council was implementing to mitigate, as far as practical, any increase to homelessness.  The Committee supported all the recommendations within the report and proposed an additional recommendation that the Council’s housing stock should be based upon an applicant’s housing need.

The report detailed three areas for consideration: Supporting tenants; Housing Policy Review and Registered Social Landlords. 

Members paid tribute to how Flintshire County Council staff, and the Cabinet Member, had responded to the Welfare Reform Act, in particular being proactive, offering timely advice to tenants and the continued commitment to offer stock on a housing need basis.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the proposals on how the Neighbourhood Housing Service intends to proactively support tenants who are under occupying be approved;

(b)       That the creation of two additional posts on 12 month fixed term contracts (Welfare Reform Response Officer and Neighbourhood Housing Officer) be approved;

(c)        That changes that are required to the allocation and rent arrears policies as set out in appendices 2 and 3 be approved;

(d)       That delegated authority be given to the Cabinet Member and Director to amend the policy (set out in appendices 2 and 3) following the outcome of consultation be approved; and

(e)       That proposals to implement closer and improved working practices with registered social landlords, as set out in appendix 4, be approved.