Decision Maker: Corporate Director (Operational Services)
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Part 3 - Responsibility for Executive
Functions delegated to Officers paragraph 4.3(1) - the Corporate
Director has delegated authority to discharge executive functions
within their respective service areas (Part 3.38). All delegations
are subject to consultation where considered appropriate in the
circumstances (paragraph 4.3 (4(ii) - part 3.39). The Corporate
Director (Operational Services) has delegated operational matters
relating to the Financial Assistance Policy to the Head of
Housing.
To offer a Discretionary Renovation Loan up to
£30,0000 to Miss S for necessary remedial works to bring the
property up to the Decent Homes Standard. The current Financial
Assistance Policy for Private Sector Housing limits the amount of
assistance to £10,000 initially, with the option to raise the
limit to £20,0000 if the Head of Housing is in agreement.
Further funds can be made available with the approval of the
Portfolio Holder for Housing. As the offer of the loan is outside
the normal provisions in the policy, a decision is
needed.
Normal policy is to offer a loan up to a
maximum of £20,000 with the Head of Housing's approval. An
offer above £20,000 is only given in exceptional
circumstances. Any loan approved will be registered at HM Land
Registry, and there is sufficient equity in the property for
repayment when the property is sold or disposed of. There is no
existing charge against the property, nor is there a current live
mortgage. Details of alternative options considered were: (a) Do
not offer a loan Miss S is not in a position to finance the work
herself and the condition of the property is considered to be
detrimental to the health, safety and well being of Miss S. Not
offering any assistance would be contrary to the spirit of the
policy, particularly when she meets the eligibility criteria. (b)
Offer a loan up to £20,000 This would not bring the property
up to the Decent Homes Standard and would leave some significant
problems outstanding that Miss S would still not be in a position
to fund. It is only appropriate to offer a loan where the property
will meet the Decent Homes Standard on completion of
works.
Publication date: 04/04/2017
Date of decision: 04/04/2017