Decision details

This report is to present a business case for allocation of budget to facilitate an increase in the establishment of the Housing Maintenance Team to   provide adequate resources to respond effectively to the Awaabs Law, new damp, mould and disrepair regulations coming into force from October 2025.

For the Portfolio Holders and S.151 Officer to:

a)       Approve the allocation of £135,820 from the HRA Regulatory Compliance/Modernisation Reserve, as detailed in paragraph 7.1.8 of the report, to support an increase in establishment and associated running costs within the current financial year;

b)      Future ongoing costs will be incorporated into the base budget as part of the annual budget-setting process, to ensure continued delivery of the service in line with forthcoming Regulatory requirements;

c)       Approve the increase in the HRA Capital budget by up to £112,000 from the Major Repairs Reserve (MRR) to purchase 4x vehicles; and

d)      Note further regulation is expected in this area to expand on other hazards contained within the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assessment that may impact on resources.