Decision details

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 £30,000 to Mrs M 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 £20,000 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 Housings approval. An offer above £20,000 is only given in exceptional circumstances. Any loan approved will be registered with HM Land Registry and there is sufficient equity in the property for repayment when the property is sold or disposed of. There are no existing charges against the property, nor is there a current live mortgage. Options considered were: (A) Do not offer a loan. Mrs M 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 wellbeing of Mrs M. Not offering any assistance would be contrary to the spirit of the policy, particularly when she meets the eligibility criteria. Currently, Mrs M is unable to live in the property due to the fact that it does not have water, electric, gas or a kitchen and bathroom. (B) Offer a loan up to £20,000 This would not bring the property up to the Decent Home Standard and would leave some significant problems outstanding that Mrs M would still not be in a position to fund. It is only appropriate to offer a loan where the property will meet the Decent Home Standard on completion of works.