URL: https://committeeadmin.lancaster.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1624

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)   Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Housing & Property report that sought approval from Cabinet to consult with tenants on proposed changes to the council housing Tenancy Agreement relating to secure and introductory tenants.   The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:     Option 1: Do nothing – continue with the existing Tenancy Agreement Option 2: Cabinet approves the proposal to revise the Tenancy Agreement    Advantages Simplicity of continuation. Cost savings The Tenancy Agreement is updated to ensure that it meets current standards and requirements and is fit for purpose taking into account all the comments made during the consultation period.   The Tenancy Agreement remains an effective management tool.   The Tenancy Agreement provides tenants with sufficient information to understand their rights and obligations in relation to their home.   The Tenancy Agreement remains an effective management tool.   The Tenancy Agreement provides tenants with sufficient information to understand their rights and obligations in relation to their home.   Disadvantages The current Tenancy Agreement does not reflect current standards and requirements.  This may mean that the Council does not meet the required consumer standards. Costs of implementation were incurred with postage for the consultation and additional costs will be incurred writing to tenants with the amended Tenancy Agreement. Risks The Tenancy Agreement will not be wholly fit for purpose as an effective management tool.   The Regulator of Social Housing would deem the Tenancy Agreement to be outdated and not fit for purpose, this could be a breach of the consumer standards. Low?level implementation risks, including tenant understanding of revised terms and operational embedding. These risks will be mitigated through clear communication with tenants, staff briefings, and the publication of supporting guidance.       The Officer preferred option is Option 2 for the reasons set out above. Tenant comments and clarifications raised during consultation have been fully considered and, where appropriate, incorporated into the final draft Tenancy Agreement at Appendix 2 to the report. Cabinet is now asked to approve the amended Agreement and authorise its implementation.   Councillor Peter Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Tyldesley: -   “That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”   Councillors then voted:-   Resolved unanimously:   (1)               That Cabinet considers the comments received from tenants during the consultation and makes any subsequent amendments to any of the proposed changes to the Tenancy Agreement in response to the consultation. (2)               That the amended Tenancy Agreement is approved. (3)               That the Chief Officer (Housing and Property) is authorised to issue all secure and introductory tenants with a Notice of Variation pursuant to Sections 102 and 103 of the Housing Act 1985, together with a copy of the new Tenancy Agreement.   Officer responsible for effecting the decision:   Chief Officer Housing &Property   Reasons for making the decision:   The decision is consistent with the Council Plan – the proposal supports the Council’s objectives: to be a Co-operative, Kind and Responsible Council and links to the Councils ambitions of Openness and the Councils Standards – Transparency, Influence and Accountability.   This review is being undertaken in line with the Service Improvement Plan – 4.8 Council Housing tenancy agreement and license agreement updated to reflect current practices and in line with best practice.

Date of Decision: April 7, 2026