Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Health & Housing.

1. That the Dorset Council Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy be adopted.

2. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Housing and Community Safety in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Housing to:

(a)           Make minor amendments to the policy to comply with legislation and guidance.

(b)           Suspend the approval of any discretionary housing assistance offered in this policy.

(c)           Introduce new assistance to help private residential property should funding become available.

Reason for the decision

The Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002 required Councils to publish a policy if they wished to provide assistance in a range of areas related to private sector housing.  Dorset Council last approved a Private Sector Housing Assistance policy in November 2020.

To consider the report by the Service Manager for Housing Standards.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Housing introduced the report. The policy had several significant inclusions in it, compared to the existing policy. These inclusions were a discretionary payment to top up a disabled facilities grant, a Moving On Grant to help disabled people move to a more suitable home, and an Energy Improvement Grant, which helped disabled people with energy efficiency and heating upgrades. Funding would be provided through existing budgets.

Members discussed the report and asked questions. During discussion, the following points were raised:

·         There were some disparities between grants. These were caused as a result of different legislation, how complex they were to administer, and any conditions that are on the grant scheme.

·         Properties that needed remedial work were generally older properties, but there were challenges in both rural and urban areas for remedial work.

·         Empty homes were identified through council tax lists. However, there was a role for ward councillors to help report empty homes. If property owners cannot bring an empty home back into use, then the council could consider a Compulsory Purchase Order.

·         The level of risk identified in the report should be reviewed if there was a chance of not receiving government funding for the next year.

·         Interest rates on loans were generally around 4%. The length of time for repayment varied.

·         Grants and loans were publicised through the council’s website, and leaflets were available. It was a challenge to ensure all grants were in the same place, because they were wide-ranging, and it was a challenge to ensure they were in plain English, because of specific conditions. The website page could be reviewed to ensure it was accessible as possible.

·         Eco 4 was a complex grant that was funded using money from utilities companies. It was available periodically throughout the year for different people. Feedback was given to government asking it to be simplified, so people can understand what is available.

·         Some grants and loans had clawbacks if the property was sold. This would be means tested for Disabled Facilities Grants but it would not be for loans.

The Committee requested an all-member webinar on grants that were available.

Proposed by Cllr J Orrell, seconded by Cllr C Jones.

Decision:

That it be recommended to Cabinet:

1. That they adopt the Dorset Council Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

2. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Housing and Community Safety in consultation with the Portfolio Holder Health and Housing to:

(a)          Make minor amendments to the policy to comply with legislation and guidance.

(b)          Suspend the approval of any discretionary housing assistance offered in this policy.

(c)          Introduce new assistance to help private residential property should funding become available.