Issue - meetings

To consider the outcome of the consultation, the residents favoured options and the proposed implementation of service changes.

RESOLVED:

Decisions of the Cabinet

1.  That the outcome of the consultation with residents and the residents favoured options as set out below be noted:

·  a scheme based warden service is re-introduced in all of the schemes, from 8am to 4pm each week day

·  a dedicated handyperson service is introduced to carry out minor repair jobs for residents in the council’s sheltered housing schemes

·  a night time security visiting service is introduced to improve security at the sheltered housing schemes

2.  That it be noted that officers propose to implement these service changes and that they are funded through the introduction of a service charge, based on an enhanced housing management model, which will be eligible for housing benefit.  No existing tenants will be affected by the introduction of the service charge and the majority of prospective tenants are entitled to housing benefit that will cover the charge in the future.

3.  That it is proposed that current residents who are not in receipt of housing benefit have their service charge paid through a transitional protection scheme, funded through savings on supporting people budgets.  Transitional protection will apply to all qualifying tenants for the lifetime of their tenancy.

4.  That it be noted that it is proposed that these changes are introduced from January 2013.

5.  That it be noted that these proposals are subject to further consultation with the housing area forums and tenants council on 26 November 2012.

Decision of the Leader of the Council

6.  That authority be delegated to the deputy leader and cabinet member for housing management, in consultation with the cabinet member for health and adult social care, to consider the outcome of consultation referred to in paragraph 5 of the report and take a decision on the proposals in the report.