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2.      INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.         

2.1        The regulatory framework for social housing that was in place when the Council transferred its housing stock in 2004 has changed significantly. Following the decision by the Council to acquire and manage 1,000 new affordable homes, advice was taken from a specialist housing law firm on the type of tenancy to be issued and what other policy documents would be required.

2.2        The Council is a Registered Provider of Social Housing for both development and management purposes. As such, the Council is subject to the Regulator of Social Housing, which according to its website ‘promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver and maintain homes of appropriate quality that meet a range of needs.’

2.3        With the assistance of the Council’s Research & Policy Officer, the Head of Housing & Regulatory Services identified that circa fifteen separate documents would be required. Some policy documents would be more urgent to adopt than others, as certain policies such as the tenant consultation guide are best suited to when the Council has acquired the right quantum of properties.

2.4        The first tranche of seven documents are attached to this report and represent those policies are needed soonest in order to provide excellent management services. Some of the policy documents are aimed at informing our tenants, others are marked as officer documents to guide staff in their decision-making, whilst the remainder apply to both staff and tenants.

2.5        Much of the content of these policies is governed either by legislation or regulation. However, the tone and style of the documents is a matter that Members may want to comment on.

2.6        The first set of policy documents includes:

o     The Tenants’ Handbook

o     Tenancy Management Policy

o     Succession Policy

o     Pet Policy

o     Anti-Social Behaviour Policy

o     Rent Arrears and Income Policy

o      Mutual Exchange Policy

2.7        The second set of policy documents will cover:

·                     Compensation Policy

·                     Complaints & Dispute Resolution Policy

·                     Damp & Mould Rectification Policy

·                     Recharge Policy

·                     Repairs & Maintenance Handbook

·                     Right to Buy Guide

·                     Tenancy Fraud Policy

2.8        The Tenants’ Handbook is a useful guide intended for all tenants that will be given at the time of the sign up. The remaining documents will be made available to tenants through our website. A dedicated area on our website is being developed for tenants to be able to log onto to view their rent accounts, report repairs and other matters, and have access to the policy documents.

2.9        The Tenancy Management Policy provides an overview of the range of policies that contain more detailed information about each topic.

2.10     The content of the policy documents has been developed to reflect the current statutory and regulatory framework, and to take account of emerging legislation and reform such as Social Housing Regulation Act.

2.11     The Communications Team has assisted the Housing Service in developing an in-house style for the policy documents that reflects our ambition to have a professional and accessible service to our tenants.       

3.   AVAILABLE OPTIONS

3.1     The Council could choose to not have a suite of housing management policies but this is strongly not recommended, as this would leave the Council open to criticism and possible censure by the Regulator of Social Housing and the Housing Ombudsman.

3.2     The Council has an ambition to provide high quality homes and excellent housing management services. This will be best served by having a broad suite of policy documents to assist staff and tenants to understand their respective roles and responsibilities.  

4.        PREFERRED OPTION AND REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1     The preferred options is set out in paragraph 3.2 above for the reasons stated. This will enable the Council to have a Housing Management service that is compliant with the raft of regulation and statutory requirements that govern Registered Providers of Social Housing.

5.       RISK

5.1    As stated above, were the Council not to adopt the proposed suite of housing management policies it would run the real risk of not being compliant with its regulatory duties. A lack of clear policies would also leave the Council open to legal challenge on important decision making, such as granting succession to a relative of a deceased tenant, or when ending the tenancy under one of the Grounds for Possession.

6.        REPORT APPENDICES

The following documents are to be published with this report and form part of the report:

·         Appendix 1: Suite of Housing Management Policies

o   The Tenants’ Handbook

o   Tenancy Management Policy

o   Succession Policy

o   Pet Policy

o   Anti-Social Behaviour Policy

o   Rent Arrears and Income Policy

o   Mutual Exchange Policy