To consider the prepared Lift and Lifting Equipment Policy and the prepared Water Hygiene Policy in relation to the operation of the Council’s retained housing stock.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)     formally adopts the Lift and Lifting Equipment and Water Hygiene Policies for its housing stock and authorises their direct and immediate implementation; and

(b)     authorises the Corporate Director (Operations and Delivery), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder responsible for Housing, to make future updates or amendments to those Policies.

Cabinet considered a report of the Housing & Planning Portfolio Holder (A.7) which enabled it to consider the prepared Lift and Lifting Equipment Policy and the prepared Water Hygiene Policy in relation to the operation of the Council’s retained housing stock.

Cabinet was reminded that the Council had a retained social housing stock of a little over 3,085 dwellings, in addition to significant numbers of leasehold flats, garages and community property. The Council had historically attained high tenant satisfaction levels with strong compliance with the decent homes standard.

It was reported that the installation, control and management of lifts, lifting equipment and water services were regulated and were important elements in the safe management of the Council’s housing stock and demonstrating compliance in general and in relation to the overall regulation of the housing service.

Members were reminded that the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 had been enacted on 1 April 2024.  The Act allowed the Regulator of Social Housing to take action against social landlords by holding such landlords to account with regular inspections.  Through the introduction of the new social housing Consumer Standards, the Secretary of State had power to require social landlords to investigate and rectify serious health hazards.  Those Consumer Standards contained specific expectations that registered providers of social housing had to comply with and detail the outcomes providers were expected to achieve.  Therefore, as a social housing landlord, it was important that Tendring District Council was fully equipped to meet the increased demands and the need to establish a proactive consumer regulation regime with active oversight on its performance.

Cabinet was made aware that, although the adoption of these policies was not of itself mandatory, there were legal and regulatory standards for performance which these policies aspired to formalise compliance with and were therefore intended to augment the Council’s other corporate policies.

The Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder made the following statement:-

“I am pleased to present this report for Cabinet’s consideration, to approve the adoption of the Lift and Lifting Equipment Policy and the Water Hygiene Policy for our Council’s retained housing stock.

As a responsible landlord, Tendring District Council has a duty to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of our tenants. These policies are a vital part of that commitment.

The Lift and Lifting Equipment Policy sets out clear procedures for the regular inspection, maintenance, and risk assessment of all lifts and lifting equipment in our properties. This ensures that any issues are identified and addressed promptly, minimising risk to residents and staff.

Similarly, the Water Hygiene Policy provides a robust framework for managing the risks associated with legionella and other water-borne hazards. It includes regular risk assessments, monitoring, and swift action where necessary to protect our tenants’ health.

Both policies have been developed in line with current legislation and best practice, and they reflect the enhanced expectations set by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. They have been shaped with input from tenant representatives and staff, and they will help us maintain high standards of compliance, tenant satisfaction, and operational resilience.

By adopting these policies, we are not only meeting our legal and regulatory obligations, but also demonstrating our ongoing commitment to providing safe, high-quality homes for our residents.”

To set in place clear plans and policies to inform future maintenance and management activities and evidence compliance with regulatory standards and to further provide that buildings were fit for purpose, sustainable, provided suitable access and were appropriate for use to meet the demand for housing within the District:-

It was moved by Councillor Baker, seconded by Councillor Smith and:-

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)     formally adopts the Lift and Lifting Equipment and Water Hygiene Policies for its housing stock and authorises their direct and immediate implementation; and

(b)     authorises the Corporate Director (Operations and Delivery), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder responsible for Housing, to make future updates or amendments to those Policies.