Decision details

Having considered an officer report, and a presentation by the Cabinet

Member for Housing, Councillor Damien Egan, the Mayor agreed that:

(1) the findings of the consultation exercise that has been carried out

with the tenants of the Council’s 18 sheltered housing schemes, as set

out be noted;

(2) on the basis of these consultation results, an enhanced housing

management service, funded by service charges to tenants and the

existing management fee to Lewisham Homes, be introduced in

all 18 schemes, and that the transfer be approved;

(3) the current floating support service be transferred to Lewisham Homes

(with staff transferring under TUPE arrangements where applicable and

subject to staff consultation), and is expanded in a manner that directly

addresses the concerns raised by tenants during consultation, as outlined;

(4) officers estimate that the new service charge to tenants will be £23.62 per

week, to be implemented from April 2016, be noted, subject to further and

final consultation with tenants as part of the Council’s annual rent and service

charge setting process;

(5) a service charge assistance fund be implemented for any existing

tenants not in receipt of housing benefit who experience financial

hardship as a result of this new service charge, in the manner set out; and

(6) the finalisation of the transfer and proposals for the new service be

delegated to the Executive Director for Customer Services as advised by the

Executive Director for Resources and Regeneration.