Issue - meetings

To consider the adoption of the Vulnerable Person and Reasonable Adjustments Policy: Housing Landlord Service 2025-2029 (appendix a) (report of the Assistant Director – Housing enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Housing which considered the adoption of the Vulnerable Person and Reasonable Adjustments Policy: Housing Landlord Service 2025-2029 (appendix a).

The Housing Transformation Manager (HRA) introduced the Vulnerable Person and Reasonable Adjustments Policy, and highlighted the following points:

• The policy defined how vulnerability would be assessed, the types of reasonable adjustments that could be made, and the process for appealing decisions where adjustments were not granted.
• It had been developed through targeted consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the new Tenant Forum, to ensure tenant voice and lived experience were reflected.
• External partners and age-friendly experts had praised the document for its clarity and practical approach, particularly in supporting tenants who were digitally excluded or had sensory impairments.
• A steer was sought on whether the current title should be retained or replaced with a more inclusive alternative, such as Inclusive Housing Support and Reasonable Adjustment Policy.
• The policy also supported the Council’s compliance with consumer standards and demonstrated a compassionate and structured approach to tenant support.

Members considered the policy and made the following comments:

• Members expressed support for the policy and praised its clarity and structure.
• A question was raised about the reference to a 2023 survey, with concern that the data might be outdated.
  • The Housing Transformation Manager (HRA) clarified that the tenant census had evolved into regular Tenant Satisfaction Measures, which continued to inform policy development.
• The Panel discussed the proposed title and whether the term “vulnerable persons” was appropriate. It was suggested that a broader, more inclusive title would better reflect the policy’s scope and avoid unintended stigma.
  • The Housing Transformation Manager (HRA) confirmed that the title could be revised to align with Housing Ombudsman guidance, and that feedback from the Panel would help shape the final version.
• It was requested that the policy would return to Panel in a year for review, allowing time to assess its impact and gather further feedback.

AGREED:

a)    That the policy title adopted a broader, more inclusive framing such as “Reasonable Adjustment Policy: 2025-2029” to better reflect the scope and intent of the housing landlord service.

b)    That the recommendation to Cabinet to adopt the Vulnerable Person and Reasonable Adjustments Policy: Housing Landlord Service 2025-2029 (or other title for the policy as agreed upon), be supported.

c)    That the recommendation to Cabinet to delegate minor operational and legislative amendments to the Assistant Director – Housing in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing, be supported.

d)    That the Policy Development Panel be presented with an update on the Vulnerable Person and Reasonable Adjustments Policy, one year from its adoption at Cabinet.