Decision Maker: Mid Suffolk Cabinet, Babergh Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 11, 2025

Purpose: To approve the Sheltered Housing Review

Content: It was RESOLVED: -   1.1          Option C: That Cabinet approved the proposal to decommission the sheltered housing service at these 2 schemes and change the use of these units to ‘general needs’, allocate accommodation to residents in accordance with the Gateway to Homechoice Allocations Policy but apply a local lettings policy (appendix 1) to be reviewed after 5 years.   1.2          Schemes included in the proposal were: The Croft, Tostock, IP30 9NX [7 Bungalows] and Manns Court, Cooks Rd, Elmswell, IP30 9BZ [14 bungalows and 1 flat].  Total 22 homes.   1.3          That delegated authority is granted to the Director - Housing to decide upon the future use of communal spaces and facilities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing at Mann’s Court, Elmswell.    REASON FOR DECISION   Option A is not recommended due to several reasons: there was low uptake and demand for the current service, the costs of replacement and maintenance of existing warden call systems would require an increase in service charges for all tenants at the scheme (regardless of whether they want or need the service) and those charges would be ineligible for housing benefits impacting on affordability.  As an alternative to charging service charges, subsidising the install and maintenance from the general rent pool is inequitable and the capital budget should be prioritised to improving the decency and energy efficiency of our homes more widely.   Option B was not recommended, whilst decommissioning the sheltered housing service was supported by resident feedback and the financial arguments, it was important to retain specified accommodation for older persons and those with need for ground floor and adapted bungalows/flats, and to maintain community cohesion.   Option C was recommended because it ensured choice and affordability for tenants wanting continued access to welfare services, albeit from third-party providers rather than from the Council.  Existing and new tenants would not be required to pay for a service they do not need or benefit from, and they would have greater choice and flexibility in how they access the services.  A local lettings policy would assure tenants that neighbouring properties would be sensitively let and to those in need of them.    Delegated authority to the Director of Housing for the communal facility review would allow decisions to be made locally, in consultation with residents and Cabinet Members. This approach avoided the need to refer matters back to Cabinet, which is time-consuming and not an efficient use of resources.   Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: Option A: Retain one or both schemes as sheltered housing, replace existing systems and continue to provide services, service charging the costs to all tenants where applicable, and/or subsidising costs through the HRA budget.    Option B: Decommission the sheltered housing service at these 2 schemes and change the use of these units to general needs, to allocate accommodation to residents in accordance with the Gateway to Homechoice Allocations policy with no restrictions.   Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None