Issue - decisions

Date of Decision:

6 March 2024

Title:

Temporary Accommodation Utilities Payment Responsibility

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Ian Spicer, Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

Responsibility for function

Section 4C3 Page 296 of the constitution - STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF ADULT CARE, HOUSING AND PUBLIC HEALTH – DELEGATED EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS

The Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health is authorised to discharge executive functions through the commissioning and provision of social services for adults and public health services for the whole population and delivery of housing for the Borough, including:

2d Housing Options.

Decision:

Decision to give approval for homeless occupants staying in Council temporary accommodation to begin to cover the costs of their own utility usage from April 2024.

The decision is for the service to adopt a new management process when an occupant moves into Temporary Accommodation, where they are supported to manage their own utility payments via a pre-payment utility meter throughout the duration of their placement.

Reasons for the Decision:

This decision will expose occupants to essential tenancy sustainment and finance management skills during their placement within temporary accommodation, support occupants move on to permanent accommodation, while effectively managing financial pressure on the General Fund to sustain Homelessness service provision.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

An alternative option was the development of a ‘service charge’. This option was rejected as it would not be possible to develop a fair and consistent charge.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

None

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None

Reports or parts of reports considered

Officer Decision Record Report- Temporary Accommodation Utilities Payment Responsibility v0.3