Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: May 20, 2025

Purpose: To seek Executive approval for the Draft Fareham Housing Tenant Alterations and Improvements Policy for adoption.   Under section 97 of the Housing Act 1985, as amended, all eligible tenants have the right to make alterations or improvements to their homes.  While tenants must have the permission of the landlord to carry out any such alterations or improvements, the law also stipulates that this permission cannot be ‘unreasonably withheld’.   The draft Fareham Housing Alterations policy provides comprehensive information on the alterations process, background and relevant legislation.  This document updates the information on our website and brings it together in a single policy.   At its meeting on 9 January 2025, the Housing Scrutiny Panel approved the document to go to Executive with changes to the process chart in Appendix C to improve clarity.  Following Executive agreement on 3 February 2025, the draft Tenant Alterations and Improvements policy was circulated for public consultation from 17 February to 31 March 2025.

Content: RESOLVED that the Executive:   (a)  notes the outcome of the consultation and the changes made to the Policy and accompanying documents;   (b)  agrees that the Fareham Housing Tenant Alterations and Improvements policy, as attached at Appendix A to the report be adopted; and   (c)  agrees to delegate authority to the make amendments needed, such as future updates to legislation or minor clarifications, to the Director of Housing, following consultation with the Executive Member for Housing.