Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 10, 2026

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: Cabinet; a)                 Approved the Housing Adaptations Policy b)                 Grant delegated authority to the Head of Private Sector Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, to make minor amendments to the Housing Adaptations Policy as required by service demands, national and local policy, and funding arrangements.   REASONS RESOLVED: The development of the Housing Adaptations Policy responds to several strategic and operational issues affecting the delivery of adaptations across West Northamptonshire. This modernised and innovative Housing Adaptations Policy ensures compliance and sets a new standard for how West Northamptonshire Council supports its residents. It is designed to ensure that every individual regardless of their circumstances or location can access a fair, consistent, and responsive service when they need adaptations to remain safe, independent, and supported at home. The policy not only enhances equity but also maximises the use of available grant funding, directing a greater proportion of resources toward the actual cost of works. This reduces financial pressure on residents, helps prevent financial hardship, and enables more people in priority need to receive timely and effective adaptations. Importantly, the policy confronts longstanding gaps where some residents have historically faced restrictions in accessing the service from previous criteria and financial assessments, and restrictions in the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996. It introduces a more robust, transparent, and inclusive framework, embracing the flexibility presented by the Regulatory Reform Order, ensuring that groups such as armed forces personnel, who often face unique and complex housing challenges, or those requiring significant and high-cost adaptations are no longer overlooked or disadvantaged.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:   Increasing Demand and Changing Needs Demand for adaptations has grown significantly due to an ageing population, increasing complexity of needs, and greater expectations around independence and safe, suitable housing. Choice: Maintain the current model, which is increasingly difficult to sustain, or adopt a modernised policy framework that enables a more responsive, needs led service.   Rising Costs and Affordability Barriers Escalating material, labour, and associated service costs have led to higher customer contributions, often preventing essential works from progressing. Choice: Retain the existing funding arrangements, risking inequitable access, or introduce new discretionary support (e.g., Service Fees Grant) to reduce or remove financial hardship.       Residents Falling Through Existing Eligibility Gaps The five-year review identified that some residents, including veterans and those with exceptional circumstances, could not access support due to restrictive grant frameworks. Choice: Continue applying the current statutory criteria alone, or adopt a broader, more inclusive approach through new discretionary grants.   Need for Tenure-Neutrality The LGSCO has emphasised the requirement for consistent service delivery across all tenures. Choice: Retain existing differences between tenures, or implement a fully tenure-neutral model to ensure fairness and consistency for all residents.   Sustainability and Future Pressures Without change, the service risks becoming financially and operationally unsustainable as demand increases. Choice: Continue with the existing policy framework or modernise the service to ensure long-term resilience, better outcomes and improved cost-effectiveness.