Decision

The Executive has decided to adopt the Fareham Housing Repairs and Maintenance policy.

Analysis

outcome: The recommendations were approved and the policy was adopted.

summary: The decision at stake is the adoption of the Fareham Housing Repairs and Maintenance policy.

topline: The Executive has decided to adopt the Fareham Housing Repairs and Maintenance policy.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves obligations on landlords and social housing tenants, as well as new requirements imposed by the Regulator of Social Housing.

affected_stakeholders: ["Landlords", "Social housing tenants", "Regulator of Social Housing", "Executive", "Director of Housing", "Executive Member for Housing"]

contentiousness_score: 5

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://moderngov.fareham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2594

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To seek Executive approval of the draft Fareham Housing Repairs and Maintenance policy for adoption.   The Housing Act 1985 (as amended) places a number of obligations on landlords regarding the maintenance of their properties.  All social housing tenants also have the ‘right to repair’ and for these to be conducted within a specific timeframe.   Legislative changes and the new consumer standards introduced by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) have imposed further requirements around repairs. Maintenance and planned improvements.   The Repairs and Maintenance policy is primarily a consolidating document, bringing together the various process and policies and updating them in line with these new requirements, and provides comprehensive information regarding the Repairs’ Service responsibilities, processes, background and relevant legislation.   At its meeting on 11 July 2024, the Housing Scrutiny Panel approved the document to go to the Executive.  Following Executive agreement on 3 September 2024, the draft Repairs and Maintenance policy was circulated for public consultation from 16 September to 28 October 2024.   The report summarises the outcome of the consultation and details the changes made in response.  

Content: To seek Executive approval of the draft Fareham Housing Repairs and Maintenance policy for adoption.   The Housing Act 1985 (as amended) places a number of obligations on landlords regarding the maintenance of their properties.  All social housing tenants also have the ‘right to repair’ and for these to be conducted within a specific timeframe.   Legislative changes and the new consumer standards introduced by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) have imposed further requirements around repairs. Maintenance and planned improvements.   The Repairs and Maintenance policy is primarily a consolidating document, bringing together the various process and policies and updating them in line with these new requirements, and provides comprehensive information regarding the Repairs’ Service responsibilities, processes, background and relevant legislation.   At its meeting on 11 July 2024, the Housing Scrutiny Panel approved the document to go to the Executive.  Following Executive agreement on 3 September 2024, the draft Repairs and Maintenance policy was circulated for public consultation from 16 September to 28 October 2024.   The report summarises the outcome of the consultation and details the changes made in response.   RESOLVED that the Executive:   (a)  notes the outcome of the consultation and the changes to the Policy and accompanying documents;   (b)  agrees that the Fareham Housing Repairs and Maintenance policy be adopted; and   (c)  agrees to delegate powers to make minor amendments needed, such as in response to future updates to Government guidance or minor corrections, to the Director of Housing, following consultation with the Executive Member for Housing.

Date of Decision: December 3, 2024