Issue - meetings

Scrutiny’s consideration was sought in relation to the updated Rent Arrears Policy before its submission to Executive for approval.

Due to staffing restructures and changes to internal processes it was necessary to update the Policy to reflect current practice.  The service now had a number of Income Management Assistants that would deal with arrears cases from beginning to end, rather than the tenant dealing with multiple officers.  It was felt this provided a more consistent approach for the tenant and ensured the service gave more personalised support based on the tenant’s situation.

It was also noted that the Policy now had a new section for recovery of former tenancy arrears which would be managed by the patch based Income Management Assistants.  The Policy also had details as to the recovery process for garages, garage plots and parking bay arrears which would be managed by the Housing Assistants Tenancy.

The Council had also recently procured a rent income analytics software, which was compatible with the Housing Case Management System to aid in rent recovery.

Moved by Councillor Andrew Joesbury and seconded by Councillor Rose Bowler

RESOLVED that Members were satisfied with the updated Rent Arrears Policy.

(Assistant Director of Housing Management & Enforcement)