Agenda item

Secure/Introductory Tenancy Agreement

Decision:

(a) That the Committee supports the final draft of the Tenancy Agreement which will be presented to Cabinet for approval;

(b) That the Committee supports the inclusion of a clause in the tenancy agreement that where tenants breach their tenancy, that the Council reserves the right to withhold improvements to their property until the breach is addressed; and

Minutes:

The Head of Housing provided Members with an updated version of the Secure/Introductory Tenancy Agreement for consideration following earlier proposals in April 2011. She asked for Members’ views on the addition of the right to defer improvements to homes that were not kept in an acceptable condition. Tenants’ views on the matter would be sought at the forthcoming Annual Tenants’ Conference. If in agreement, the clause would be added to the new tenancy agreements due to come into effect on 18 February 2013.

The Head of Housing distributed specimen copies of the proposed A5 Tenant’s Handbook which would contain information on tenancy agreement and policies.

Councillor G. Hardcastle asked if workshops could be arranged for elderly tenants to explain the Tenant’s Handbook. The Cabinet Member for Housing responded that wardens could discuss the handbook with tenants in sheltered accommodation. She added that there were also a number of older people in general needs accommodation who would possibly need assistance with the handbook.

Councillor A.M. Halford asked if the Council could make it a condition of the tenancy agreement that tenants purchase contents insurance. She asked if any such scheme was in operation in social housing providers and other councils. The Head of Housing said that Flintshire offered a competitive insurance scheme to tenants which could be promoted more widely and that other housing providers did not insist that tenants purchase contents insurance. The Head of Legal & Democratic Services advised that tenants were not legally obliged, as part of their tenancy, to purchase contents insurance. It was agreed that this should be investigated.

Councillor P. Shotton said that he agreed with the suggestion to defer improvement schemes in houses that were not kept to an acceptable standard and was in favour of a zero tolerance approach, a view echoed by other Members.

Councillor P.J. Curtis asked about how this would impact on the Welsh Housing Standards. The Head of Housing explained that the Council would be allowed to defer improvements to tenant’s homes while they resolved/improved matters with regard to their tenancy as long as the Flintshire WHQS Implementation timetable was adhered to.

Councillor G. Hardcastle spoke about succession rights for tenants and how important it was that tenants be allowed to stay in their own home, even if this would result in under occupancy. The Cabinet Member for Housing replied that each case was looked at on its own merits and that this practice would continue. Councillor Hardcastle asked about the criteria employed in such cases. The Head of Housing responded that disability, health issues and local support networks would be taken into account. She added that such cases would become more complex with the onset of welfare reform and that persons living in under occupied houses might voluntarily ask to move to smaller properties due to decreases in housing benefit.

Councillor D.L. Cox asked if contents insurance could be automatically added to the rent and tenants offered the opportunity to opt out.

Councillor R. Lloyd asked if reference could be made in the waste and recycling section of the handbook to the correct procedure for removal of clinical waste. He cited an example whereby a tenant had been reprimanded for putting a used bandage in a black bin.

RESOLVED:

(a) That the Committee supports the final draft of the Tenancy Agreement which will be presented to Cabinet for approval;

Supporting documents: