Decision details

Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy 2020

Decision Maker: Co-operative Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Purpose:

The Policy sets out the assistance available to private occupants to improve their living conditions and enable independent living.

Decision:

 

10.1

The Executive Director, Place, submitted a report seeking approval for the Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy detailed in the report and set out in appendix A.

 

 

 

 

 

The Policy sets out the types of assistance available to private occupants to improve their living conditions and enable independent living, and replaces the previous Assistance Policy approved by Cabinet on 14th November 2007.

 

 

 

 

10.2

RESOLVED: That:-

 

 

 

 

(a)

the Private Sector Housing Services Policy, approved by Cabinet on 14th  November  2007, subject to recommendations (b), (c) and (d), be revoked, with effect from 1st February 2020;

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

the Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy, detailed in the report and set out in appendix A to the report, be approved and come into operation from  1st February 2020;

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

the Assistance Policy, approved by Cabinet on 14th November 2007, which forms part of the Private Sector Housing Services Policy, as  amended from time to time, be revoked, with effect from 1st February 2020;

 

 

 

 

 

 

(d)

the Intervention and Enforcement Policy, approved by Cabinet on 14th   November  2007, which forms part of the Private Sector Housing Services Policy, as amended from time to time, is not revoked and remains in operation;

 

 

 

 

 

 

(e)

the Director of Housing Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, be authorised to revise the Intervention and Enforcement Policy; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

(f)

the Director of Housing Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, be authorised to revise the Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy.

 

 

 

 

 

10.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

 

 

10.3.1

Revoking the Private Sector Housing Services Policy (PSHSP), to be replaced by the proposed Improving the Private Sector Housing Support and Conditions Strategy 2020-25, shall enable the improvement of standards within private sector homes in Sheffield.  The revocation of the Assistance Policy, and the implementation of the proposed Policy outlined in this report, will ensure that the assistance reflects the current policy and funding landscape. It will support the most vulnerable private occupants to make the necessary improvements to their properties so that they can live independently in suitable, safe and energy efficient accommodation. It will also support people to move to more suitable housing and enable foster carers to accommodate more children within the city.

 

 

 

 

10.3.2

The Policy will be kept under review to ensure that it remains relevant, reflects local need and current legislation. To enable revision to the Policy arising from the review, it is recommended that the Director of Housing Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, is authorised to revise the proposed Policy. A similar delegation of authority is recommended in respect of the Intervention and Enforcement Policy to ensure it remains relevant and properly reflects local need.

 

 

 

 

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

 

 

 

Do nothing - The main alternative is to not develop a new policy and rely on the 2007 Assistance Policy and other Council programmes to improve the condition, and suitability, of private sector housing. However, the current policy does not reflect the situation within Sheffield’s private sector housing market or the flexibility allowed within the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funding.

 

 

 

 

10.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

 

 

 

 

 

None

 

 

 

 

10.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

 

 

 

 

 

None

 

 

 

 

10.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

 

 

 

 

 

Laraine Manley, Executive Director, Place.

 

 

 

 

10.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

 

 

 

 

 

Safer and Stronger Communities.

 

 

 

 

Publication date: 16/01/2020

Date of decision: 15/01/2020

Decided at meeting: 15/01/2020 - Co-operative Executive

Effective from: 23/01/2020

Accompanying Documents: