The Arun District Council's Housing and Wellbeing Committee convened on 11 September 2025, addressing key issues such as the adoption of the 2026-2031 Housing Asset Management Strategy, updates to enforcement policies, and performance reporting. The committee approved the Housing Service Anti-Social Behaviour Policy, endorsed continued funding for Artswork, and agreed to consult on proposed changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

Here's a more detailed look at the key discussion points:

• Housing Asset Management Strategy 2026-2031 The committee approved the Asset Management Strategy 2026-2031, which outlines a long-term framework for investing in and improving council-owned homes. The strategy focuses on five strategic objectives: asset intelligence and data-led planning, compliance, building safety and resident welfare, carbon reduction and energy efficiency, resident-led improvement and empowerment, and operational excellence and financial sustainability. The strategy commits to a shift from reactive delivery to a planned and resident-centred programme. The strategy aims to eliminate category 1 hazards, achieve EPC level C or better by 2031, modernise sheltered schemes, and support independent living through accessible homes. It also includes a system upgrade to improve compliance monitoring and reporting. The committee also reviewed the Equality Impact Assessment for the strategy.
• Enforcement Policies The committee approved the revised Housing Service Anti-Social Behaviour Policy, which emphasises early intervention, partnership working, and consistent case management. The committee also noted the implementation of the new Noise Management Policy and Tenancy Fraud Policy. The Equality Impact Assessment for the enforcement policies was also reviewed.
• Safety and Quality Performance Reporting The committee approved the new Safety and Quality Performance Measures and the inclusion of a dedicated Safety and Quality Performance Report as a standing item on the committee's agenda. These measures are specific to repairs, maintenance and compliance functions and demonstrate a commitment to an increased emphasis on safety and quality of council homes.
• Artswork Phase 3 Funding The committee approved funding of £31,500 per year for two years to support the work of Artswork, a youth arts charity, subject to satisfactory reviews and the availability of council resources. This funding will support creative projects for young people in the district. The committee reviewed the ADC Partnership Proposal 2026-2028, the Artswork Completed Agreement 29.09.22, and the Equality Impact Assessment Artswork Young Cultural Changemakers.
• Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2026-2027 The committee agreed to consult on proposed changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2026/27. The proposed changes include increasing the maximum level of support to households with the lowest incomes to 100%, reducing the minimum award level from £5 per week to £1 per week, disregarding the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) elements of Universal Credit when calculating income, disregarding the Carers Element of Universal Credit and Carer's Allowance when calculating incomes, and disregarding income from War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Schemes.
• Disregard of income from War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Schemes The committee agreed to recommend to the Policy and Resources Committee that the council support veterans by disregarding in full any amounts above the statutory disregard for the purposes of awarding housing benefit entitlement. Councillor Colonel MND Turner MBE, Armed Forces Champion, presented a report from the Royal British Legion's Credit Their Service Campaign , and the committee discussed the implementation detail.
• Housing Services Complaints Performance and Determinations Q1 The committee scrutinised and commented on the Housing Services Complaints Performance and Determinations for Quarter 1. One determination was received from the Housing Ombudsman during Quarter 1, with findings of maladministration and service failures. The committee noted that all Ombudsman orders and recommendations have been complied with.
• Performance Measures for Housing Services Q1 The committee reviewed and commented on the performance of housing services for Quarter 1. The report included performance information on repairs, compliance, voids, financial performance, complaints, anti-social behaviour, and homelessness.
• Key Performance Indicators 2022-2026 Q1 The committee noted the contents of the report and provided comments on the indicators relevant to the committee.
• Outside Bodies The committee received feedback from Councillor Colonel MND Turner MBE, Armed Forces Champion, on the Royal British Legion's Credit Their Service Campaign .
• Work Programme The committee noted the work programme for 2025/2026.