Decision - Managing the impact of Housing Benefit changes arising from welfare reforms

(1)       That it be agreed to extend the ‘no eviction’ policy for a further 12 months until the end of May 2015, and that it be further agreed that the wording of the policy commitment remains unchanged.  (The suggested amendment set out in paragraph 4.7.7 is not agreed).

(2)       That it is re-affirmed that officers deal fairly and firmly with tenants who seek to avoid paying their rent and accrue debt on the basis of ‘won’t pay’ rather than ‘can’t pay’.

(3)               That it is re-affirmed that officers continue to manage council lettings so as to provide under-occupying tenants struggling to meet their financial commitments with more affordable accommodation choices.

(4)               That it is agreed that officers continue to provide all council tenants with clear advice and assistance that supports them in meeting their rent payment and service charge obligations

(5)       That officers continue to monitor the impact of the policy and provide a report back to Housing Committee in Autumn 2014

(6)       That it is agreed that consent be sought from the Government to continue to use HRA funding to support additional Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) for council tenants, supplementing the council’s overall DHP fund.

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