Issue - meetings

To note the successful refurbishment of Frank Bretton House and to consider the continuation of the sheltered housing refurbishment program.

The Housing and Property Director, D Fenton advised that following the successful refurbishment of Frank Bretton House, sheltered housing scheme, the council wished to continue the refurbishment program at other sheltered schemes within the district to make the communal areas feel modern, welcoming, and desirable.

The pilot refurbishment took 6 months to complete, and resident’s feedback had been obtained from 75% of tenants, which would assist with the order of works and improving the customer experience going forward.

The Committee asked questions and made the following comments

·         That it was a great idea to upgrade these types of properties to attract more residents in sheltered accommodation.

·         That local artwork could be used in future refurbishments.

·         That residents should be made aware of potential increases in rent due to the refurbishments, as this may affect tenants on pensions credits. It was noted that the £7.70 charge had been added as a service charge and the charge would be paid for those tenants who were in receipt of housing benefits. Any tenants that were near the payment threshold, would be assisted by officers in making application to assist with the service charge.

RESOLVED:

1.             That the Committee noted the successful refurbishment of Frank Bretton House, Sheltered Housing Scheme.

2.             That the Committee recommended approval be given to the continuation of the sheltered housing refurbishment program undertaking refurbishments at one to two sheltered schemes a year until complete to Cabinet.

3.             That the sheltered housing refurbishments were eligible for Housing Benefit and the Council funded the scheme upfront with money from the HRA, which had a new component added to the service charge and had been accounted for in the HRA business plan.