Issue - meetings

Background:

This report set out details of a revised Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy (HAP). The policy, originally approved in August 2008, detailed the assistance that could be provided to homeowners, landlords and tenants in dealing with substandard housing in the area.

Members were advised that it was proposed to revise the policy to take account of the reduced funding available for housing assistance. The report gave details of the implications of this, which included a number of decreases in the level of loan or grant being made available and the deletion of empty property improvement loans. Despite these reductions the aim of the policy remained to support vulnerable and elderly people.

A Diversity Impact Assessment screening had been undertaken and the result of this showed that a full assessment was not required and a copy was attached as Appendix Two. It was noted that access to the service would be monitored and reviewed a year following the introduction of the policy.

Reasons:

To ensure that the Authority operates a fit for purpose housing assistance policy in accordance with guidance and best practice.