The Interim Director of Corporate Services sought approval to undertake a consultation exercise in relation to the proposed revisions to the Council’s Private Sector Housing and Regeneration Assistance Policy (referred to as “the Assistance Policy”) which was provided using statutory powers. Following the consultation exercise a further report would be presented to Members detailing the final version of the policy, with the intention of implementing the revised policy in September 2011. The suggested amendments would result in less expenditure under this policy when compared with previous years and would support the Council’s Corporate Priorities as presented in the Corporate Plan for 2011-14. One of the suggested amendments would derive an income for the Council through charging administration fees. 

The main emphasis of the proposed changes was to refocus the policy and financial assistance products on completing housing clearance commitments begun through HMRI and to prioritise home repair for vulnerable people, empty homes and HMOs. The report also updated Members on the current position with the Council’s Equity Loan administrator and proposed to replace equity based loans with interest free charges administered in-house, following the expiration of the current contract extension period.

The report also sought approval to recycle any income achieved through fee charges and the repayment of loans directly to support future assistance provided through the Assistance Policy.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)  the revised Private Sector Housing and Regeneration Assistance Policy be subject to a consultation exercise, as detailed in item 7.1 of the report and  a further report be submitted to Cabinet later in 2011 detailing the final version of the Private Sector Housing and Regeneration Assistance Policy for adoption and implementation later in 2011;

(2)  the current arrangements with the Council’s Equity Loan administrator, ART Homes Ltd and the proposal to replace equity based loans with interest free charges administered in-house following the expiration of the current contract extension period be noted; and

(3)  the recycling of any income achieved through fee charges and the repayment of loans directly to support future assistance provided through the Assistance Policy be approved.