URL: https://rother.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1897

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet received and considered Minute OSC25/33 arising from the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) held on 13 October 2025 that had considered the Council’s Housing Renewal Financial Assistance Policy 2026-2028 (HRFAP).  The OSC had considered the HRFAP in detail and were pleased to recommend it to Cabinet for onward approval and adoption by full Council.   The Council only received sufficient funding from HM Government (through the Better Care Fund paid to East Sussex County Council (ESCC) and distributed to the Council) to mainly provide mandatory Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) in accordance with the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996. DFGs were available to disabled people when works to adapt their home were assessed as necessary and appropriate to meet their needs, and when it was reasonable and practicable to carry them out having regard to the age and condition of the dwelling. Elements of the grant were mandatory, and others could be provided at the discretion of the Council (discretionary grants).   The main change in the Council’s proposed policy (attached at Appendix A to the report) was increasing the discretionary grant from £30,000 to £40,000, to reflect the costs of more complex cases.  The mandatory maximum of £30,000 was set in 2008 and was no longer adequate in many cases. In such cases, funds from other bodies were sought, including registered social landlords and ESCC.   Members were supportive of the proposed change to the policy and recognised the valuable contribution adaptations made to residents’ lives.  It was requested that information and case studies be provided to Members on a regular basis to raise the profile of the availability and success of these grants.    RECOMMENDED: That the Housing Renewal Financial Assistance Policy 2026-2028 at Appendix A to the report be approved and adopted.   (When it first became apparent, Councillor Maynard declared an Other Registerable Interest as an Executive Member of East Sussex County Council, and in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct remained in the meeting for the consideration thereof.)

Date of Decision: November 3, 2025