Purpose

Approval of a policy detailing our approach to
customers with vulnerabilities.

Content

10.1

The Committee considered a report of the
Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services which sought approval
of the Vulnerability Policy for the Housing Service designed to
ensure the service identifies and removes barriers so that
customers can access housing services and ultimately benefit from a
successful and sustainable tenancy.

 

 

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy
Committee:-

(a) 
Approves the Housing Service Vulnerability Policy in the form
attached to the report at Appendix A.

(b) 
Grants delegated authority to the Director of Housing in
consultation with the Chair of the Housing Policy Committee to
where necessary make any minor amendments and updates to the policy
required, in order to reflect any organisational or legislative
changes which take place prior to the policy being formally
reviewed by the Housing Policy Committee.

 

 

 

 

10.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

10.3.1

It is
recommended that the Housing Policy Committee approve the Policy
for implementation.

 

 

10.3.2

It is recommended that the Housing Policy Committee grants
delegated authority to the Director of Housing in consultation with
the Chair of the Housing Policy Committee to where necessary make
any minor amendments and updates to the policy required, in order
to reflect any organisational or legislative changes which take
place prior to the policy being formally reviewed by the Housing
Policy Committee.

 

 

10.3.3

 

 

 

10.4

Alternatives Considered and
Rejected

 

 

10.4.1

Alternative Option 1: Council wide
policy.
Consideration was given to if a whole Council approach to the
issues contained within the Policy would be a more appropriate and
effective solution. However, as the Housing Service are subject to
Housing Ombudsman determinations and guidance on the issue of
vulnerability, it was concluded that a service-specific policy is
required to achieve the intended outcomes.
 
In addition, the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) oversees
compliance with standards for social housing providers, with a
particular emphasis on neighbourhood management, safety,
transparency, influence, accountability, and tenancy standards.
This Policy is a critical mechanism for demonstrating that the
Housing Service meets its obligations under the
‘Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard’,
ensuring that the diverse needs of tenants are recognised and
addressed

 

 

10.4.2

Alternative option 2: Implementation through an internal
procedure or framework.
Consideration was given to delivering this service development
via an internal procedure or framework. However, given the
significance of the issue and the Council’s statutory
obligations, such an approach would not adequately reflect the
importance of these matters. Adopting a formal public policy
provides clear alignment with wider Council strategies and
objectives, while ensuring appropriate governance through Housing
Policy Committee oversight and enabling external
scrutiny.