Issue - meetings

Committee considered a report in relation to an updated Rechargeable Repairs Policy.

The updated Rechargeable Repairs Policy provided a definition of rechargeable repairs and the circumstances in which it may arise.  It also set out the internal procedure in terms of assessing repairs and calculating recharges, as well as the recovery process that would be followed.  In addition, there was a section on when the Council may exercise discretion, for example, when a person’s vulnerabilities affected their ability to pay the rechargeable repairs, or there may be exceptional circumstances which needed to be considered

There was also a formal appeals process where a tenant was given an opportunity to challenge the reasons for recharge or the recharge amount.  This was considered by the Repairs Manager in the first instance, and if this was challenged further, was dealt as a complaint in accordance with the Council’s Complaints procedure

In response to Members’ questions, the Head of Housing Management & Enforcement advised Members that any rechargeable repayments would have to be affordable for the customer.   An income an expenditure form would be completed and there would be a long term commitment from the customer to pay back the recharges.

The Head of Housing Management & Enforcement further advised Members that the Tenant Improvement and Alteration Policy would be presented to Members for their consideration at a future meeting.

Members thanked the Head of Housing Management & Enforcement for the report.

Moved by Councillor Ray Heffer and seconded by Councillor Andrew Joesbury

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

The Head of Housing Management & Enforcement left the meeting.