Issue - meetings

To consider the report.

The Deputy Director of Public Health introduced the report which sought approval to deliver £4.2M of upgrades to homes across the Dorset and BCP Council areas.

Officers responded to comments and requests for clarification, details included:

• Comments were often received and number of case studies had been undertaken which set out the issues and how they were addressed. There were notable Improvements in morbidity and mortality rates as a result of home improvements.
• Better communication was required in terms of setting out what was on offer and the eligibility criteria, as it appeared that some people may be put off at present.
• It was well recognised that there were a lower number of homes in the BCP Council area that were eligible for the HUG aspect, but far more qualified for other aspects of the HHD programme.
• The project was targeting flats within the BCP Council area that didn’t have a gas connection.
• There were very complicated formulas used in order to calculate eligibility.
• There were regular conversations with housing providers to ensure that the homes they’re providing are compliant with legislation. The project team was working with East Boro housing, BCP Homes etc.
• All residents could access HHD and get advice if needed, even if ineligible for other support. Working with primary care networks to raise awareness of support available.

RESOLVED

That the Board:

1. Endorse the Dorset Home Upgrade Grant project.
2. Delegate authority to the Director of Public Health to develop and deliver the project, in line with relevant Dorset Council regulations and any grant funding agreement with government.
3. Notes progress of the wider Healthy Homes Dorset initiative.