Purpose

To seek approval for the
establishment of a pilot fund to assist tenants sustain their
tenancies by covering or subsidising the cost of equipment or minor
adaptations which fall outside of the Council’s normal
processes.
 

Decision

This report proposes the
following recommendations to the Portfolio Holder for
Housing:
 

·      
Approve the establishment of an Independent Living
Fund as a pilot scheme for 25/26

·      
Approve the use of funds from the HRA Efficiency
Budget

·      
Note the alignment to the Community Plan Ambitions
Three and Seven

·      
Note the production of a report after 12 months of
the scheme running.
 

Reasons for the decision

The recommendations
enable the Council, as a responsible and forward-thinking landlord
to support tenancy sustainment and assist tenants to remain
independent in their homes for longer creating healthy and cohesive
communities.
 

Alternative options considered

There continues to be
a deficit between supply and demand of Council accommodation; by
providing financial and practical support to assist tenants to
remain independent in their homes and sustaining their tenancy for
longer; having a positive impact tenancy turnover.
 
Failure to implement
this pilot initiative could increase numbers on our housing
register, results in higher tenancy turnover and impacts negatively
on community health and cohesion.