Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision

As a result of the changes to Welfare Benefit, and in particular, the reduction of Housing Benefit for spare rooms it was felt appropriate to review the scheme.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Approved the continuation of the existing scheme.

    ii.        Agreed to include tenants downsizing via a mutual exchange as part of the scheme.

   iii.        Instructed Officers to prepare a bid for additional funding for the scheme as part of the 2013/14 revised budget and 2014/15 original budget processes in January 2014, if demand increases.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Area Housing Manager.

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

(i)         Pleased to receive the report. 

(ii)         Noted the increase in requests to downsize to smaller properties

(iii)      Welcomed the demand to downsize through the mutual exchange programme as part of the scheme.

The Committee

Resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.