URL: https://democracy.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3049

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Introduction of new policy outlining the approach to giving residents of temporary accommodation permission to have pets.  It is widely accepted that pets provide people with companionship.  The Council recognises the benefits that having a pet can bring but we must ensure that there are controls in place to prevent irresponsible pet ownership which can cause suffering to animals, nuisance to other residents and damage to accommodation.

Content: Introduction of new policy outlining the approach to giving residents of temporary accommodation permission to have pets.  It is widely accepted that pets provide people with companionship.  The Council recognises the benefits that having a pet can bring but we must ensure that there are controls in place to prevent irresponsible pet ownership which can cause suffering to animals, nuisance to other residents and damage to accommodation. RESOLVED:   1.      That the adoption of the Temporary Accommodation Pet Policy (Appendix B) to enable the Council to make consistent decisions when giving residents permission to keep a pet and how to deal with reports of pet nuisance be approved.   2.      That  the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities be delegated to make any minor changes to the Temporary Accommodation Pet Policy as may become necessary be approved. Implementing this policy will ensure that the Council is able to make consistent decisions and promote responsible pet ownership in the Council’s owned, leased and procured temporary accommodation and to make sure they do not cause a nuisance to other residents or cause damage to accommodation. Not implementing this policy would result in the Council continuing to make decisions on an ad-hoc basis with no formal process in place. No conflicts of interest were declared by any Member who was consulted in respect of this decision.

Date of Decision: August 12, 2025