Decision

To reinstate the tenancy for a tenant at a property in Bognor Regis.

Reasons for the decision

Following a review of the case history, supporting documentation and representations received from Housing Options, it was concluded that although the possession order and warrant were obtained legally, additional intervention measures could have been undertaken by the council to help prevent the tenancy failure. These included home visits, earlier telephone contact, earlier referral to financial inclusion support, follow-up of delayed Universal Credit claims and joint working with Housing Options to identify preventative measures. The review also found that following notification of the tenant's stroke, a further equality and proportionality assessment should have been undertaken to consider the impact of the change in circumstances before eviction proceeded. Housing Options has confirmed that the rent arrears can be cleared in full and improvements have been implemented within Tenancy Services to strengthen future practice.

Alternative options considered

To uphold the eviction and not reinstate the tenancy. This option was rejected due to the tenant's significant vulnerabilities, the identified missed opportunities for tenancy sustainment and the availability of support measures and funding to address the rent arrears.