URL: https://democracy.thanet.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5559

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This report is to seek approval to include a provision within the Housing Assistance Policy to facilitate public realm enhancements that improve the quality of our residents’ lives. The revised policy also includes proposed amendments to the Empty Homes Loan and introduces a new provision for empty homes top-up loans.  The policy will be subject to a further round of public consultation for a period of six weeks.

Content: This report is to seek approval to include a provision within the Housing Assistance Policy to facilitate public realm enhancements that improve the quality of our residents’ lives. The revised policy also includes proposed amendments to the Empty Homes Loan and introduces a new provision for empty homes top-up loans.  The policy will be subject to a further round of public consultation for a period of six weeks. Cabinet agreed the following, that:   1.  The consultation draft of the Housing Assistance Policy is approved;   2.  The council conducts a public consultation on the draft policy;   3.  The results of the consultation be published on the Council’s website;   4.  Following consultation any minor amendments be approved by the Head of Housing & Planning in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing. The primary reasons for this decision include: ·  Reaffirming that the Council’s Housing Assistance Policy is robust and takes into account changes affecting the sector; ·  Addressing public realm and community enhancements that have been debated at Extraordinary Cabinet previously; ·  Consultation is necessary as the changes proposed to the Housing Assistance Policy are considered material changes. Make no further changes to the policy - but this would represent a missed opportunity to utilise recycled grant funds. Make additional changes to the policy based on how the policy adopted in October 2025 is performing. However, it was agreed to give any changes made in that version 12 months to bed in.   Agree the recommended route proposed in the Cabinet report.

Date of Decision: April 30, 2026