Decision

To approve amendments to the Asbestos Policy relating to Arun District Council’s council owned housing stock. The policy was originally adopted by the Housing and Wellbeing Committee on 17 June 2025.

The amendments clarify the scope and application of the policy, particularly the council’s duty to manage asbestos under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 within the common parts of multi occupancy domestic premises and associated non domestic areas within the housing portfolio.

Reasons for the decision

The Asbestos Policy for council owned housing stock has been reviewed to ensure that it accurately reflects the council’s responsibilities for the management of asbestos within its housing portfolio and provides clear arrangements for managing compliance.

The revisions provide greater clarity regarding the areas of the housing stock covered by the Regulation 4 duty to manage asbestos. In particular, they distinguish between common parts and associated non domestic areas, where the council has relevant maintenance or repair responsibilities or control, and private domestic areas within individual dwellings. The policy also makes clear that the exclusion of private domestic areas from the Regulation 4 management programme does not remove other duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 where work may disturb asbestos.

The amendments also clarify the council’s arrangements for asbestos assessment, reinspection, record keeping, information sharing, resident communication and performance reporting across its council owned housing stock.

Alternative options considered

Retain the existing policy without amendment: Rejected. This would not incorporate the additional clarification identified through the review, particularly regarding the scope and application of the Regulation 4 duty within the council’s housing stock.

Undertake a complete replacement of the policy: Rejected. The existing policy framework remains appropriate and the necessary clarification can be incorporated through amendments to the current policy.