Decision Maker:

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: May 13, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Salford City Council - Record of Decision     I, Councillor Tracy Kelly, Statutory Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing & Anti-poverty, in exercise of the powers contained within the Council Constitution, do hereby:   Approve the amendments to the Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy 2023, as detailed in the report.    The Reasons are: Since approval of the policy in April 2023, some minor amendments are proposed which aim to address any ambiguity in how the policy is applied, ensuring fairness and transparency for all. As funding is limited and the service has a high demand there is a need to tighten up the wording in the policy to make it clear that the policy concerns private sector residents and properties, as intended in its title, Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy (PSHAP).   Options considered and rejected were: Take no action –This option is not considered appropriate, the changes are required to manage customer expectations.   Assessment of Risk: Low – all financial assistance provided as grant with conditions will be secured by way of a Legal Charge on the property title and repayable to the Council.   The source of funding: Grant funding is approved from the Place, capital programme.   Legal Advice obtained: Supplied by Tony Hatton                   Dated: 03/12/2024 The Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002 requires Councils to publish a policy if it wishes to provide assistance in a range of areas related to private sector housing. The proposed amendments to the policy sets out with greater clarity the process for considering the award of financial assistance which the Council wishes to offer for residents living in the city, and all grants are protected by way of a repayable legal charge being placed on the property.   The review undertaken and proposed changes are consistent with the guidance to the Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002, including extensive consultation with stakeholders.   Financial Advice obtained: Supplied by Karen Wilcha          Dated: 4th December 2024 The proposal to provide direct financial assistance in the form of the Council’s Grant funding with conditions is to support residents living in the private sector who meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the PSHAP 2023.   The Council will only make a Grant available where it is satisfied that the applicant is unable to access any commercially available loan product in order to fund the required improvement/repair works.   Where the eligibility criteria is not met “Support by exception” will apply on a case by case basis for example, individuals/applicants who have:- ·         life limiting / terminal illness ·         applicants identified as member of the armed services, veterans and their families who may also require support.   Grant funding is approved from the Place, capital programme.   The Council’s Grant funding will be secured by way of a Legal Charge to be granted to the Council over the property. The charge will be secured until such a time as the property is sold or there is a change in ownership.   Procurement Implications: N/A   HR Implications: N/A No additional staffing implications   Climate Change Implications: N/A   Contact Officer: Caren Green     Tel: 0161 793 2835             Email: caren.green@salford.gov.uk     This decision is not subject to consideration by another Lead Member.   The appropriate scrutiny panel to call-in the decision is the Community & Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel.       Signed: Councillor Tracy Kelly                                          Date: 13th May 2025 Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing & Anti-Poverty     This decision was published on 14th May 2025.   This decision will come into force at 4.00pm on 21st May 2025, unless it is called-in in accordance with the decision-making process rules.