Issue - meetings

Report number RIM0388 by the Head of Community Assets.      (Enclosure)

The PDG considered report number RIM0388 on the draft Rechargeable Repairs Policy which was presented by the Head of Community Assets and the Assistant Service Manager for Improvements. The document had been prepared by representatives from the Improvements, Housing, Finance and Legal teams.

Some concern was expressed about policy statement 2.3 of the draft document, which said:

“Where damage has been caused by a Third Party outside the tenant’s household, family or visitors and the Police have been informed and a crime number issued, the tenant may not be recharged. However, SKDC reserve the right to investigate such circumstances and may impose a recharge if it considers it reasonable to do so.”

PDG members felt that the statement should be reversed and the tenant held responsible unless there were extenuating circumstances. There was a feeling that re-charging arrangements should be as close to those in the private sector as possible. In response to a question about liability for payments for damage caused as a direct result of disability, members’ attention was drawn to the equality analysis attached as appendix 2 to the report. The Portfolio Holder also requested the inclusion of a statement that the Council would not be responsible for costs associated with vermin.

Recommendation:

The PDG recommends the draft policy for consideration by Cabinet subject to the following amendments:

1.    To amend draft policy statement 2.4 (page 3) to say that the tenant would be charged for repairs unless there were extenuating circumstances

2.    Checks should be made to ensure recharging arrangements are as close to the private sector as possible

3.    The Council should not be responsible for charges associated with vermin