Decision

To approve amendments to the Capped Gas Policy relating to Arun District Council’s council owned housing stock. The policy was originally adopted by the Housing and Wellbeing Committee on 20 January 2026.

The amendments update and clarify the council’s approach to managing circumstances where a gas supply, meter or appliance is capped, including capping for safety reasons, supply related issues, property or occupancy circumstances, planned works and at a resident’s request.

Reasons for the decision

The Capped Gas Policy for council owned housing stock has been reviewed to provide greater clarity around the arrangements that apply before, during and following a decision to cap a gas supply. The policy supports the council’s wider gas safety management framework and sets out how safety considerations are balanced with the need to support residents where gas cannot be used.

The revisions clarify the circumstances in which capping may be required and strengthen the consideration of household circumstances and known vulnerabilities when making planned capping decisions. They also clarify the arrangements where residents choose not to use gas and the advice to be provided regarding energy suppliers, meter removal and potential standing charges.

The amendments further clarify the respective roles of Compliance and Tenancy Services following a capping decision, including resident communication and support, consideration of alternative heating and hot water arrangements, monitoring of property condition and the management of circumstances where a gas supply remains capped.

The revised policy therefore provides a clearer framework for ensuring that capped gas supplies within the council’s housing stock are managed safely and consistently whilst taking account of resident welfare and vulnerability.

Alternative options considered

Retain the existing policy without amendment: Rejected. This would not incorporate the additional clarification identified through the review, particularly in relation to resident requested capping, ongoing energy supply arrangements, vulnerability considerations and support where a property remains without gas.

Undertake a complete replacement of the policy: Rejected. The existing policy framework remains appropriate and the required changes can be addressed through amendments to the current policy.