Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: May 6, 2025

Purpose: Cabinet is recommended to approve the Housing Repairs and Maintenance Policy.  

Content: Cabinet:   (1)         approved the proposed Housing Repairs and Maintenance Policy attached at Appendix 1 to the report; and   (2)         authorised a delegation to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Lead Member for Housing & Regeneration, and the Director of Governance and Law, to amend the policy in response to new legal requirements, to enable rapid amendment to the policy to comply with new legal requirements as they arise due to the introduction of Awaab’s Law.   Options & Alternatives Considered The options that have been considered are: Option 1: Do not publish or delay the introduction of the new policy (not recommended). The council could continue to rely on the existing Housing Repairs Policy, or the council could opt to delay the introduction of the new policy until the regulations for Awaab’s Law are confirmed. This is not recommended because the proposed Repairs and Maintenance Policy addresses a number of gaps in the existing policy, providing clarity to residents, supporting them to hold the council to account, and introduces learning from complaint cases and feedback from residents.  Option 2: Publish the proposed policy combined with a delegation from Cabinet to bring the policy into line with any new legal requirements (recommended option). This option would support compliance with current legislation and the regulatory standards set by the Regulator of Social Housing and recommendations from the Housing Ombudsman, ensuring that residents have clarity about the service they should expect to receive and mitigates financial and reputational risks.