Decision details

To seek approval for the establishment of a pilot fund to assist tenants sustain their tenancies by covering or subsidising the cost of equipment or minor adaptations which fall outside of the Council’s normal processes.

This report proposes the following recommendations to the Portfolio Holder for Housing:

·       Approve the establishment of an Independent Living Fund as a pilot scheme for 25/26

·       Approve the use of funds from the HRA Efficiency Budget

·       Note the alignment to the Community Plan Ambitions Three and Seven

·       Note the production of a report after 12 months of the scheme running.

The recommendations enable the Council, as a responsible and forward-thinking landlord to support tenancy sustainment and assist tenants to remain independent in their homes for longer creating healthy and cohesive communities.

There continues to be a deficit between supply and demand of Council accommodation; by providing financial and practical support to assist tenants to remain independent in their homes and sustaining their tenancy for longer; having a positive impact tenancy turnover.

Failure to implement this pilot initiative could increase numbers on our housing register, results in higher tenancy turnover and impacts negatively on community health and cohesion.