Issue - meetings

F Williamson introduced the report to members. This policy replaces the previous one approved by Cabinet in March 2013. The previous policy provided a raft of grant assistance, primarily based on loans for private sector housing from disabled grants to grants for home improvements to address housing health and safety to ensure the private rented sector could provide good quality accommodation. There was a low level take up of these loans and the transfer of the team from regulatory services to housing provided an opportunity to review the policy to include current central government funding and ensure the council can provide broader assistance to individuals to remain living independently in their homes. The new policy allows the council to provide discretionary support to individuals who may have a need to make their home safe, warm, secure or adapted for a medial need. The majority of the funding allocation from central government is for the mandatory disabled grant. For the last two years, the government have provided top up payments in the winter months with the expectation that this is spent by the end of the financial year. By broadening the scope of the policy, it provides discretionary allowance to provide funding to people who may not be able to leave hospital as their homes are unsuitable for their needs. There is a requirement to consult with the CCG and Herts Adult Care Services to understand where the pressures are to make decisions around those waiting to be discharged in hospital. The policy has been drafted mainly to address any top up funding that may become available and allow for flexibility in allocating grants.

Councillor Mahmood asked if the grants were available to all residents of Dacorum, not just council tenants. He asked if there was a limit on this funding.

F Williamson said there is no additional money being allocated for discretionary grants. The policy is providing the opportunity for existing funding to be used in a different way. These grants are only for private sector and not for social housing as there is the opportunity within the council’s housing stock to find alternative, more suitable accommodation. She said that its use will be limited outside the mandatory powers. It is important to consider that central government may have to look at a number of areas which may affect people who are recovering from covid-19 and may have long term health problems.

Councillor Adeleke asked if the money is not spent, does it have to be returned to central government.

F Williamson said the winter top up fund requires it to be spent before the end of the financial year. In the first year, half the money was spent and the department contacted MHCLG to ask if they wanted the money returned and they said it could be continued to be spent within the first quarter.