The Portfolio Holder for Housing & Health presented a report which sought amendments to the current Housing Assistance Policy (HAP) adopted in December 2017 as demand for discretionary funding had dramatically increased. As a result of this dramatic increase the ability to better manage demand against available resource is required for all discretionary assistance, ensuring sufficient resources remained for the core services especially Mandatory Disabled Facility Grants.

The Housing Standards Team Leader explained the proposals and he advised that the Housing & Health Advisory Committee had considered the same report.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved:  That

a)   a reduction of the maximum Accelerated Facility Grant from the current £7,500 to £6,500 and reduction of the Specific Situation Funding from the current £50,000 to £0.00 be approved; and

b)   the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Health (and any successor with responsibility for Housing) be delegated authority to amend all discretionary grant maximums.