Issue - meetings

Report of Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    in accordance with the powers contained in the RRO, the discretionary funding contained within the Housing Assistance Policy, forming Appendix 4, and its publication is approved;

2.    the regular review of funding, to ensure that the council’s statutory duties are met and that available resources for discretionary expenditure are not exceeded, are approved;

3.    the annual review of the Housing Assistance Policy is approved and minor amendments will be made at the discretion of the Head of Public Protection in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.  Any decision to withdraw the availability of discretionary grants will be the subject of a Cabinet decision and all amendments published;

4.    the contents of Appendix 5 are noted, to be debated and agreed at the DFG Forum, representing the district councils within Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.

The Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities introduced her report, saying that the Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance)(England and Wales) Order 2002 provides general powers for local authorities to renew and adapt houses, but which can only be used in accordance with a published Housing Assistance Policy.  The report sets out how the council will provide financial support to improve and adapt homes in Cheltenham for eligible disabled people. She listed thediscretionary policies and funding available in association with adaptations to a disabled person’s home included in the Housing Assistance Policy.

The Cabinet Member for Major Developments and Housing Regeneration regretted that the government had not raised the discretionary grant funding limit, but was pleased that CBC has a discretionary policy and will continue to do all it can to help residents who need extra support.  He said it raises the much bigger question of house-building in the future, and ensuring houses are suitable for future residents,  but in the meantime, was happy to support the recommendations.     

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    in accordance with the powers contained in the RRO, the discretionary funding contained within the Housing Assistance Policy, forming Appendix 4, and its publication is approved;

2.    the regular review of funding, to ensure that the council’s statutory duties are met and that available resources for discretionary expenditure are not exceeded, are approved;

3.    the annual review of the Housing Assistance Policy is approved and minor amendments will be made at the discretion of the Head of Public Protection in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.  Any decision to withdraw the availability of discretionary grants will be the subject of a Cabinet decision and all amendments published;

4.    the contents of Appendix 5 are noted, to be debated and agreed at the DFG Forum, representing the district councils within Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.