Purpose

This report is to present a
business case for allocation of budget to facilitate an increase in
the establishment of the Housing Maintenance Team to   provide adequate resources to respond
effectively to the Awaabs Law, new
damp, mould and disrepair regulations coming into force from
October 2025.
 

Decision

For
the Portfolio Holders and S.151 Officer to:
 

a)      
Approve the allocation of £135,820 from the
HRA Regulatory Compliance/Modernisation Reserve, as detailed in
paragraph 7.1.8 of the report, to support an increase in
establishment and associated running costs within the current
financial year;

 

b)     
Future ongoing costs will be incorporated into the
base budget as part of the annual budget-setting process, to ensure
continued delivery of the service in line with forthcoming
Regulatory requirements;

 

c)      
Approve the increase in the HRA Capital budget by up
to £112,000 from the Major Repairs Reserve (MRR) to purchase
4x vehicles; and
 

d)     
Note further regulation is expected in this area to
expand on other hazards contained within the Housing Health and
Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assessment that may impact on
resources.