Agenda item

M Peters presented the report for members to be informed about the development of the Sustainable Tenancies Strategy and the key commitments.

Explaining that the Sustainable Tenancies Strategy is a four-year strategy that has provided an opportunity for tenants, staff and members to review the Councils approach to tenancy management. It replaces the current Vulnerable Person Strategy and has been developed in response to the changing needs and challenges faced in social housing.  The report outlines the key elements of the strategy and gives members an overview of the approach taken by the tenancy team when managing tenancies within our general needs stock. 

M Peters was happy to take questions from Members.

Cllr England asked does the sustainable tenancy team make sure the properties match needs.

M Peters said yes they do and they are vetted and only able to bid for properties that meet their needs.

Cllr England asked what is a definition of success.

M Peters said rent is paid on time and obligations of living in the property are met as per the tenancy agreement.

Cllr Imarni asked how effective is it, and gave an example of a case which she was aware of.

M Peters said that a case like this was beyond the team’s remit.

E Maxwell said that the Tenancy Sustainment Team do support it. She explained at what point there is support and when enforcement comes in.

They look at triggers and support, its very time consuming and in some cases its very rewarding.

Out of 79 cases closed, 76 cases have avoided eviction, giving a potential saving of £380,000 for the Council. Every support plan is bespoke, enforcement is only used in these cases as a last resort.

Cllr Bassadone referred to page 39 – 3. Is there a good relationship to move them on?

M Peters said supported housing make those decisions.

Cllr Griffith added to that, explaining that Cllr Bassadone may have got confused, this policy is for new tenants and a select group. EPD supported housing will deal with anything else.

Cllr Mahmood said he thought it was for problem tenants too.

M Peters said it’s an overarching policy to cover Tenancy and Income also.

Cllr Mahmood said that the policy is very good, he asked how do tenants know who to approach.

M Peters said there is an internal referrals process, cases usually come from Tenancy and Income Officers if situations arise. Concern Cards are also used by our contractors to flat you concerns they may have following a visit.  We also accept referrals from social services/ adult services or even from schools and education.

Cllr Mahmood asked how big is the team.

M Peters said 1 Team leader, 2 Lead Officers, 4 Tenancy Sustainment Officers, 1 surveyor and 4 Welfare & Sustainment Officers.

Cllr England asked when you support people do you have tools for good tenancies as examples.

M Peters said yes applicants are invited to a 2-hour Tenancy Sustainment Information session, we talk to them about expectations they may have and the responsibilities of holding a tenancy with The Council.  We explain how important the Tenancy Agreement is as it’s a legal document that can be relied upon by both the Council and the Tenant.

Cllr England asked what the intake and the outcome.

M Peters said the current caseload is 127 in settled accommodations and 139 in temporary accommodation.