Agenda and minutes

None.

There were no declarations of interest.

The report advises the Cabinet member of actions to provide support for some tenants who fall within the governments assessment of 'under occupying' their properties but who may have been 'adequately housed' at the time of allocating and might no longer be able to access discretionary Housing benefit.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member for Housing delegates authority to Head of Housing and Property Services in consultation with Head of Finance and S151 Officer to develop a scheme that will enable the HRA to offer financial assistance for those council tenants affected by welfare reform, and for whom available DHP is considered insufficient, totalling no more than £40,000 in 2013/14 and for future provision to be set as part of the on-going annual HRA budget setting process. 

(TAKE IN REPORT BY THE HEAD OF HOUSING AND PROPERTY SERVICES)

DECISION: The Cabinet Member for Housing delegated authority to Head of Housing and Property Services in consultation with Head of Finance and S151 Officer to develop a scheme that will enable the HRA to offer financial assistance to those council tenants affected by welfare reform, and for whom available DHP is considered insufficient, totalling no more than £40,000 in 2013/14 and for future provision to be set as part of the on-going annual HRA budget setting process. 

The report seeks approval to amend the current Financial Assistance Policy for Private Sector Housing Renewal in Portsmouth to make the policy more in line with customer needs.

RECOMMENDED that the 2013 Financial Assistance Policy is agreed and implemented from 9^th July 2013, as detailed in Appendix 1.

            (TAKE IN REPORT BY THE HEAD OF CORPORATE ASSETS, BUSINESS AND STANDARDS)

DECISION: The 2013 Financial Assistance Policy be agreed and implemented from 9 July 2013, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.

Councillor Darren Sanders took Agenda items 5 and 6 together:

The report seeks permission for the modernisation of sheltered housing facilities/accommodation at St Clare's Court, Leigh Park.

To seek permission, to spend £1,437,500 for the undertaking of refurbishment works to 1-45 St Clare's Court. 44 properties will be reconfigured into 32 self contained modern properties within the overall building.

RECOMMENDED that approval is given to proceed with the scheme within the approved sum of £1,437,500.

(TAKE IN REPORT BY THE HEAD OF HOUSING AND PROPERTY SERVICES)

Maria Cole of the Residents' Consortium Link Group, who was present to represent residents, welcomed the investment and noted that the scheme will help address the issue of voids in the area.

DECISION: that approval is given to proceed with the scheme within the approved sum of £1,437,500.

This report has been brought forward urgently as funding is available and the work will take place in the same area as the refurbishment of St Clare's Court thereby minimising logistical and planning issues.

To seek permission for the modernisation of sheltered housing facilities/accommodation at Tweed Court, Leigh Park.

RECOMMENDED that the 2013 Financial Assistance Policy is agreed and implemented from 9^th July 2013, as detailed in Appendix 1.

 (TAKE IN REPORT BY THE HEAD OF HOUSING AND PROPERTY SERVICES)

DECISION:  That approval be given to proceed with the scheme within the approved sum of £1,437,500.