Issue - meetings

To advise Members of the consultation process required to amend the Council’s Introductory and Secure Tenancy Agreement and to seek approval to begin this process (report of the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Health and the Executive Director Place enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Health and the Executive Director - Place, which advised members of the consultation process required to amend the Council’s Introductory and Secure Tenancy Agreement and to seek approval to begin the process.

Members commented that the recommended changes were very much welcomed, and that it made responsibilities much clearer.

DECISION:

a)    That the proposed changes to the Council’s Introductory and Secure Tenancy Agreement be approved for consultation;

b)    That a Preliminary Notice under section 103, Housing Act 1985 be issued to all Council tenants; and

c)    That approval of final amendments to the Tenancy Agreement following consultation be delegated to the Executive Director Place (prior to final Notice of Variation being served).

(Other options considered:

·         To do nothing and continue to operate under the conditions of the existing two out of date Tenancy Agreements.

Reasons for decision:

·         To provide an updated Agreement for tenants to reflect changes in legislation and operational practice.  The revised document is clearer and easier for tenants to understand, helping them to meet their obligations as a tenant and sustain their tenancy.  A revised Tenant’s Handbook would also be produced as part of this work.)

(The Housing Landlord Services Manager and the Housing Services Manager left the meeting following discussion of this item.)

To advise members of the consultation process required to amend the Council’s Introductory and Secure Tenancy Agreement (report of the Portfolio Holder Housing and Health and the Executive Director Place enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Health and the Executive Director Place which sought to advise the Panel of the consultation process required to amend the Council’s Introductory and Secure Tenancy Agreement.

The Housing Services Manager introduced the report. They stated that it was hoped that once the new agreement was approved by Cabinet, it would go out for a consultation process for a period of 28 days.

Members expressed that they were pleased to see that the agreement made provisions for setting out the rules for tenants planting trees and other large plants in the gardens of Council owned properties.

The Place Manager introduced the new Housing Landlord Manager, stating that it had been a busy introductory period but that they were making good progress and getting a good feel for the way the Authority’s housing stock worked. Members welcomed the new Housing Landlord Manager, and asked them how they felt the Housing Stock of South Holland District Council compared in quality to what they had encountered in previous roles. The Housing Landlord Manager responded that they had previously worked in inner city housing associations, rather than for local authorities, but that they felt the housing stock of South Holland was of a comparably high quality, as the vast majority were relatively recent constructions, and the Authority had, in recent years, invested in the rejuvenation of its stock.

Members asked that an email be sent out to confirm to members who the New Housing Landlord Manager was and how to contact them.

AGREED:

That the report be noted.