Issue - meetings

The Committee approved a new Private Sector Housing Grants Assistance Policy in June 2017 that included discretionary grants. Due to administrative burdens which have been realised since the launch of the scheme, Officers are requesting an amendment to the Policy to remove the imposition of charges on discretionary works under £5,000. Removal of the charge will allow for cases to be progressed in a timely manner, and the most vulnerable residents would receive assistance without unnecessary delay.

The Committee is asked to determine if the request to amend the Policy should be approved.

Following consideration, the Committee:

(1)          Agreed to amend the Private Sector Housing Grants Assistance Policy (Discretionary Grants Programme) to remove the legal charge on grants under the value of £5,000.

The Committee received a report requesting an amendment to the Private Sector Housing Grants Assistance Policy. The following matter was considered:

a)            Purpose of amendment. The Committee was informed that it was proposed to remove the requirement for a legal charge on grants under the value of £5,000 to enable ‘quick-win’ works to be undertaken without delay, and reduce the administrative burden of providing the Discretionary Grants Programme. It was noted that a legal charge would still be applied for grants of £5,000 or more.

Following consideration, the Committee:

(1)          Agreed to amend the Private Sector Housing Grants Assistance Policy (Discretionary Grants Programme) to remove the legal charge on grants under the value of £5,000.