To adopt the Council's Policy for Housing Assistance 2016 – 2020 for providing households with financial assistance to improve the homes of the most vulnerable households.

1.      That the generally positive feedback provided from the public consultation and the equality impact assessment be noted.

2.      That the Central Bedfordshire Housing Assistance Policy for implementation by the Housing Service be adopted.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing that set out the revised Central Bedfordshire Housing Assistance Policy.  The revised Policy looked to build upon the success of the existing policy and develop further assistance for some vulnerable groups; older people in park homes and residents with disabilities who could not be assisted (partly or at all) by the Disabled Facilities Grant assistance.  The revised policy also enhanced assistance to empty homes owners where that helped the Council meet affordable housing need.

Reason for decision:  The revised Policy improved assistance for older people in Park Homes and disabled residents with assessed needs that do not quality for mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant.

RESOLVED

1.      that the generally positive feedback provided from the public consultation and the equality impact assessment be noted; and

2.      that the Central Bedfordshire Housing Assistance Policy for implementation by the Housing Service be adopted.