Agenda item

Approved the new Housing Assistance Policy 2022-2027, as at Appendix 1 to the report.

The Executive Director People (Adults) introduced a report which sought approval of a revised Housing Assistance Policy (HAP) 2022-2027. The policy had been updated to ensure alignment with current national guidance, case law and legislation. It also addressed the recommendations set out within the report by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman investigation into a complaint about the Council as discussed on the previous agenda item.

The revised HAP 2022-27 included details of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) options that an individual could receive. Approval and implementation of the policy would enable the Council to take advantage of additional flexibility in the use of the grant to support more individuals to maintain independence. This would be through implementing housing adaptations in a timely way, by streamlining processes and ensuring adequate staffing resource.

It was brought to Members attention that the new HAP would implement the latest national guidance for DFG including the definition of urgent and non-urgent cases to fairly manage waiting lists. Urgent cases would be prioritised, such as people being discharged from hospital, end of life cases, people who lived alone and were deemed a high risk. The policy would also move the threshold of the Major Equipment Grant from £5,000 to £10,000 which would improve the speed with which equipment such as stairlifts, specialist toilets and shower/bathroom adaptions could be installed without the means testing being required. This would decrease waiting lists and streamline services to enable individuals to live more independently at home.

Members discussed how the policy would apply to those in private sector housing or Housing Association properties and about the importance of improving customer services so there was good communication with applicants.

At the end of the discussion the recommendations were agreed.

Resolved –That  the new Housing Assistance Policy 2022-2027, as at Appendix 1 to the report be approved.