Decision details

The report updates Councillors on a range of operational housing issues, and what actions are being taken to rectify each problem identified. This includes sharing that Council tenants’ rent has been incorrectly set at a higher level than is allowed under national rules for both 2021/22 and for many but not all, also in 2022/23, which will therefore need to be refunded to tenants (and to the Department of Work and Pensions for the share of any rents paid during that period by Housing Benefit). The report also details unacceptable standards uncovered in the handling of damp and mould issues, and the return to the Government required on this subject.

The report also provides an update on key health and safety indicator performance, and also some limited commentary on broader repairs and maintenance performance. Finally, the report advises Members of particular corrective measures identified as being necessary for Reynolds Court sheltered housing unit, in Newport.

The report explicitly requests Member approval to spend up to £500,000 (plus VAT) to commission an urgent Stock Condition Survey (and associated costs) for the whole of the authority’s council housing, to start as soon as possible in 2023, and ideally to be complete within three months.

Cabinet RESOLVED to:

a.     Note the contents of the Housing Update report

b.     Approve the additional expenditure of up to £500,000 from the Housing Revenue Account