Purpose

Under the provisions of the Councils Private
Sector Housing Assistance Policy, it is proposed to withdraw the
discretionary Small Adaptation Grant and Disabled Facility Top-Up
Grant.

Content

1.     
That the withdrawal of the discretionary Small Adaptation Grant,
the discretionary Living Well Grant, the discretionary Home not
Hospital Grant, the discretionary Disabled Facility Top-Up Grant
and the discretionary Contribution Assistance Grant as permitted
under the provisions of the Council’s Private Sector
Housing Assistance Policy be approved.

 

2.     
The transfer of the Home Improvement Agency (HIA), including
Telecare Service from Wolverhampton Homes (WH) to the City Council
be approved, in principle.

 

3.     
That the Deputy Leader: City Housing, in consultation with the
Director of Resident Services, be authorised to make the final
decision(s) to approve and enable the transfer of the HIA,
including Telecare Service from WH to the City Council.
 

4.     
That the changes in practice to the mandatory Disabled Facility
Grant, to bring them back in line with adopted Policy be noted.

 

5.     
That it ne noted, the withdrawal of the discretionary grants,
allowable under the Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy, is an
interim measure pending the approval of a new policy, which would
include a review of the available funding. 

 

6.     
That it be noted, the impact of these changes is mitigated against
by eligible applicants being able to access assistance through
alternative grant schemes and other support outlined in the
report.

 

7.     
That the Equality Impact Assessment and plan for reducing the
impact of this change be noted.

 

8.     
That it be noted, the proposed transfer of the HIA and Telecare
from WH to the Council would allow the opportunity to streamline
services and allow the Council greater oversight on the delivery of
adaptations as the adaptations service impacts on services within
the Council including Adults and Children’s Social Care.
 

9.     
That it be noted, WH support the proposed transfer of the HIA and
Telecare from WH to the Council.
 

10.  
That it be noted, the proposed transfer would allow the HIA service
to form part of the wider Housing Advice Service.

 

11.  
That it be noted, the following would need to be considered as part
of any final decision that is taken with regards to the transfer of
HIA including Telecare Services:
 

(a)      
Authorise the spending required to achieve the long term
improvements and savings (including for resources and operational
arrangements) of the proposed transfers in house.

 

(b)    Authorise the s151 officer
in consultation with the Director of Resident Services to implement
the transfers, subject to Cabinet approval.

 

(c)    Authorise the s151
officer in consultation with the Director of Legal Services to
complete any documentation required to give effect to the decisions
contained in the report.

 

12.  
That it be noted, the withdrawal of the discretionary grants,
allowable under the Private Sector Assistance Policy, is an interim
measure pending the approval of a new policy, which would include a
review of the available funding.