Issue - meetings

To receive a report by the Housing Strategy Manager.

Approved the basis for:

·  investment by the Council of £25k in 2015/16 and £10.4k from 2016/17 - 2018/19;

·  a new countywide service jointly commissioned with partners, and

·  a review the Council’s funding position during 2016/17 to consider whether to fund after the end of the contract

The Cabinet gave consideration to a report by the Housing Strategy Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), which identified a range of options for the future of the Safer Homes Scheme. The Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning and Housing informed Members that the preferred option would lead to an improved Scheme, which would also reduce its cost to the Council. This would be achieved because a range of other organisations benefited from the scheme and they would in future be making a greater contribution on a Countywide basis. The scheme had positive benefits in terms of preventing injuries and reducing the need for Disabled Facilities Grants but these effects had not yet been quantified. It was intended to start collecting this information over the next two years.

It was suggested that eligibility for the service should be means tested. Having been advised that contributions were already sought but that a more formal system was under consideration, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

  that Option 2 be approved:

·  investment by the Council of £25k in 2015/16 and £10.4k from 2016/17 - 2018/19;

·  a new Countywide service jointly commissioned with partners, and

·  a review the Council’s funding position during 2016/17 to consider whether to fund the Scheme after the end of the contract.

To consider a report by the Housing Strategy Manager on the performance of the Safer Homes Service and on options for the future of the service.

Consideration was given to a report by the Housing Strategy Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) containing analysis of options for the future of the Safer Homes Scheme.  Members were informed that it was likely that the Safer Homes Scheme had an important role in reducing demand for Disabled Facilities Grants, which were significantly more costly and so could have a beneficial effect on the Council’s overall budget position. Members questioned whether this effect might be extended by at least maintaining the current level of funding but it was accepted that there currently was no evidence to support this.  The Panel, therefore, recommended the Cabinet to commission jointly with partners a new countywide service and to review the District Council’s funding position during 2016/17 to consider whether to continue with the funding after the end of the contract.  The District Council’s investment in 2015/16 would be £25k and £10.4k from 2016/17 onwards.  The timing of the review would give the Council the opportunity to collate the necessary evidence and to identify alternatives.

RESOLVED

  that the Cabinet be recommended to approve Option 2 contained in the report now submitted.