Issue - meetings

To seek approval from Cabinet for the adoption of the Decant Policy which was recommended by the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting of 20th January 2025.

Purpose of report

To seek approval from Cabinet for the adoption of the Decant Policy which was recommended by the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting of 20th January 2025.  

Decision

That Cabinet:

1.    Approve the adoption of the Decant Policy.

2.    Delegate authority to the Director of Housing and Projects to make minor alterations and amendments to the Policy post adoption as required by changes to regulations and expectations by the Regulator for Social Housing.  

Alternative options considered and rejected

The other option considered was not to produce a Decant Policy. However, this would have meant that there was no policy in place and therefore no clear guidance in dealing with such cases.

Reasons for the decision

Officers could ensure that they were compliant with the Housing Ombudsman’s landlord expectations when dealing with decants. Adopting the policy would ensure a consistent and transparent approach for dealing with such cases.

The Housing Ombudsman stated that: ‘landlords should have a clear and

accessible policy for decant procedures, outlining the circumstances a decant may be considered’. South Kesteven District Council, as a landlord, was obliged under the terms of its tenancy agreements to keep the structure and exterior of its properties (including communal areas) in good repair.

Improvement works and major repairs were normally carried out whilst the tenant remained in their home. However, there were certain situations, such as those when the health and safety of the tenant would be at risk or the works are extensive, when works could not be carried out with the tenant in the property. Where this was the case, the Council would arrange to move the tenant and their household. This would either be done on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the nature of the works and the tenant was normally given this option.

Respondents to the consultation had been positive about the policy.

This policy outlined the practical steps the Council would take to facilitate this process.