Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 11, 2024

Purpose: Under the provisions of the Councils Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy, it is proposed to withdraw the discretionary Small Adaptation Grant and Disabled Facility Top-Up Grant.

Content: 1.      That the withdrawal of the discretionary Small Adaptation Grant, the discretionary Living Well Grant, the discretionary Home not Hospital Grant, the discretionary Disabled Facility Top-Up Grant and the discretionary Contribution Assistance Grant as permitted under the provisions of the Council’s Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy be approved.   2.      The transfer of the Home Improvement Agency (HIA), including Telecare Service from Wolverhampton Homes (WH) to the City Council be approved, in principle.   3.      That the Deputy Leader: City Housing, in consultation with the Director of Resident Services, be authorised to make the final decision(s) to approve and enable the transfer of the HIA, including Telecare Service from WH to the City Council.   4.      That the changes in practice to the mandatory Disabled Facility Grant, to bring them back in line with adopted Policy be noted.   5.      That it ne noted, the withdrawal of the discretionary grants, allowable under the Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy, is an interim measure pending the approval of a new policy, which would include a review of the available funding.    6.      That it be noted, the impact of these changes is mitigated against by eligible applicants being able to access assistance through alternative grant schemes and other support outlined in the report.   7.      That the Equality Impact Assessment and plan for reducing the impact of this change be noted.   8.      That it be noted, the proposed transfer of the HIA and Telecare from WH to the Council would allow the opportunity to streamline services and allow the Council greater oversight on the delivery of adaptations as the adaptations service impacts on services within the Council including Adults and Children’s Social Care.   9.      That it be noted, WH support the proposed transfer of the HIA and Telecare from WH to the Council.   10.   That it be noted, the proposed transfer would allow the HIA service to form part of the wider Housing Advice Service.   11.   That it be noted, the following would need to be considered as part of any final decision that is taken with regards to the transfer of HIA including Telecare Services:   (a)       Authorise the spending required to achieve the long term improvements and savings (including for resources and operational arrangements) of the proposed transfers in house.   (b)    Authorise the s151 officer in consultation with the Director of Resident Services to implement the transfers, subject to Cabinet approval.   (c)    Authorise the s151 officer in consultation with the Director of Legal Services to complete any documentation required to give effect to the decisions contained in the report.   12.   That it be noted, the withdrawal of the discretionary grants, allowable under the Private Sector Assistance Policy, is an interim measure pending the approval of a new policy, which would include a review of the available funding.