Issue - meetings

AGREED:

That the content of the two harmonised policies and new Tenancy Agreement as set out in the Appendices be noted

(Reason for decisions – Prior to the formation of North Northamptonshire Council, Kettering and Corby have their own different documents, policies and procedures. These all require harmonisation and currently present some risks to the authority.)

The Assistant Director for Housing and Communities introduced the report which outline proposals to harmonise policies and align tenancy agreements across North Northamptonshire.

Members noted that the main tenancy offer introduced 1-year introductory tenancy contracts. These would be extended if tenancy conditions were met within the initial 12-month period.

During discussion, the Panel raised the following principal points:

      i.        A phased approach to implementation was welcomed;

    ii.        The Council should challenge itself to be the best landlord in the area;

   iii.        Endorsement of the Tenant’s Forum should be sought in development of the Full Housing Strategy;

   iv.        The Executive Member for Housing & Communities should seek to ensure that the policies of registered housing providers meet the standard set by North Northamptonshire Council;

    v.        The offer available to and rights of tenants with a suspended possession order seemed to be unclear;

   vi.        Provision of further explanatory information detailing the rights of tenants should be sought for inclusion in the final policy documents;

  vii.        Building for purpose should be considered for the future provision of adaptable homes;

 viii.        Knowledge of the private sector facility provision should be improved for the purpose of identification of suitable homes;

   ix.        The application process and access to adapted properties for younger disabled tenants should be further reviewed.

It was AGREED:

That the content of the two harmonised policies and new Tenancy Agreement as set out in the Appendices be noted

(Reason for decisions – Prior to the formation of North Northamptonshire Council, Kettering and Corby have their own different documents, policies and procedures. These all require harmonisation and currently present some risks to the authority.)