Decision Maker: Housing Management (Cabinet) Sub-Committee

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: July 30, 2025

Purpose:

Content: DECISION   The Mayor in Sub-Committee is RESOLVED that:   1.     Approves the Policy Framework and proposed consultation plan at Appendix 1 in the report submitted.   2.     Approves the recommendation to de-scope policies which fall outside the direct remit of the Housing Management Division.   3.     Notes that the Damp and Mould Policy will be formally approved one month after the implementation of Awaab’s Law, with the service adopting the policy principles as determined by statute in advance of the November Cabinet

Reasons for the decision: We have conducted a self-assessment against all four Consumer Standards and have developed a framework of 21 key policies to support staff, residents and meet the standards. 1.2 This report sets out our proposed approach to reviewing and formalising all policies, ensuring that we enable tenants, leaseholders and wider stakeholders to influence development of our policies and ensure these are effectively and formally embedded in services’ practice.   When considering the prioritisation for review, we have prioritised based on risk (for residents and the Council), the need to build in time to engage with residents and consult on policy development, and alignment with our “Your Voice, Our Action: Safe Homes, Great Services” improvement programme where policy reviews are identified as key deliverables over the next 12 months.   In terms of the policies which we are proposing to be de-scoped, we have identified more appropriate leads across the Council. This is part of the Housing Management service integrating with the Council and ensuring we do not duplicate the work of other areas, for example the “Reasonable Adjustments” policy, which will be a corporate policy to be approved outside the scope of this programme.   The Damp and Mould Policy is progressing, but as this is such an important policy area, we want to engage with as many residents as possible to ensure that their views are factored into this policy development and implementation. As a result, we are proposing that the consultation period runs over the summer, which will be a multi-channel engagement.   When considering the prioritisation for review, we have prioritised based on risk (for residents and the Council), the need to build in time to engage with residents and consult on policy development, and alignment with our “Your Voice, Our Action: Safe Homes, Great Services” improvement programme where policy reviews are identified as key deliverables over the next 12 months.   We are seeking agreement from the Housing Management Cabinet Sub-Committee on this approach

Alternative options considered: There are no alternative options, it is essential that the Council has sufficient and up to date policies to meet the Consumer Standards and more importantly provide a clear and consistent framework to guide colleagues and deliver fair and equitable outcomes for our residents.   As part of this process, we will request external assurance from Housing Quality Network (HQN) to ensure that our framework meets the standards and offers a suitable framework for colleagues and residents.