Purpose

To seek Cabinet’s approval for the
adoption of three Housing Landlord policies that supports improved
service delivery, accountability and tenant wellbeing:
• New – Disabled Aids and Adaptations Policy
2025-2028
• Updated – Housing Revenue Account Governance Framework
2025-2026
• New – Reasonable Adjustments Policy 2025-2029

Decision

1.   
That Cabinet approves:
·     
The Housing Landlord Services Disabled Aids and
Adaptations Policy 2025-2028.
·     
The Housing Revenue Account Governance Framework:
Housing Landlord Service 2025-2026
·     
The Housing Landlord Services Reasonable Adjustments
Policy 2025-2029
 
2.   
That Cabinet delegates minor operational and
legislative amendments to the Assistant Director for Housing in
consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and
Operational Housing to the Housing Landlord Services Disabled Aids
and Adaptations Policy 2025-2028.
 
3.   
That Cabinet delegates minor operational and
legislative amendments to the Assistant Director for Housing in
consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and
Operational Housing to the Housing Revenue Account Governance
Framework: Housing Landlord Service 2025-2026.
 
4.   
That Cabinet delegates minor operational and
legislative amendments to the Assistant Director for Housing in
consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and
Operational Housing to the Housing Landlord Services Reasonable
Adjustments Policy 2025-2029.
 
5.   
That Cabinet approves the continued delegation to
the Assistant Director for Housing to undertake all operational and
managerial decisions related to the HRA Disabled Aids and
Adaptations policy including determining requests for aids and
adaptations.
 

Reasons for the decision

·        
The Council has a statutory duty to provide a
disabled aids and adaptations service for its tenants, in
compliance with relevant legislation and regulatory standards. The
council recognises that the current service requires modernisation
to improve both operational delivery and the experience of tenants
who rely on it. The proposed Aids and Adaptations Policy, developed
in collaboration with tenants, addresses this need and reflects the
Council’ commitment to equality, inclusion, and tenant
wellbeing.
·        
As a responsible social landlord, the Council must
maintain robust governance arrangements to effectively monitor and
scrutinise the management of its Housing Landlord Service, This is
essential for ensuring transparency, accountability, and
high-quality service delivery.
·        
In line with the Regulator of Social Housing’s
consumer standards, the Council is also required to treat tenants
with fairness and respect, ensuring services are accessible to all.
The Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard reinforces
the need for inclusive engagement, while the Safety and Quality
Standard mandates that homes are safe and responsive to the needs
of vulnerable tenants. The Tenancy Standard further expects
landlords to support tenants in sustaining their tenancies –
an outcome that depends on making reasonable adjustments for those
facing barriers.

Alternative options considered

·        
Do Nothing – To take no action by choosing not
to implement the policies. This approach would carry risks, not
only for the council but, more importantly, for the quality and
consistency of service provided to tenants.
·        
The HRA Governance Framework requires updating to
reflect the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership
structure.