Introduction
This document details how Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (“the Council”) intends to use its power under the Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002 to improve the quality of homes for those most in need.
In addition it includes the provision of mandatory Disabled Facilities Grants under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (as amended) and discretionary assistance under the
Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance)(England and Wales) Order 2002. It sets out the range of financial assistance that the Council will make available, together with the eligibility criteria and conditions that will be applied to each form of assistance.
Key priorities and aims of this policy
Through the policy the Council will help improve the health, safety, and wellbeing of residents in private sector housing within the Borough that are affected by poor housing standards or disadvantaged through social deprivation, disability and vulnerability. The aims of this policy are:
- To help residents maintain their independence
- To help residents achieve better housing and living conditions
- To help address housing need through better use of the private sector
- To work in partnership with Social Care and Health to reduce health related costs e.g. bed-blocking, care packages
Achieving these aims
The primary responsibility for maintaining private sector housing rests with the owners of individual properties. However, the Council recognises that some owners will not have the necessary resources to fully carry out this responsibility.
Accordingly, the Council through the work of its Housing Improvement Team will offer practical, professional, and impartial advice to ensure that the aims of this policy are met.
Financial assistance is available under the following five headings:
- Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grants
- Discretionary Disabled Facilities Grants
- Home Improvements
- Warm Homes
- Home Safety
Links to the Council’s strategic priorities
The Council’s vision is “to continue to be a financially sustainable Council with strong leadership that delivers valued services, a commitment to delivering innovation and change to meet the needs of our Borough.”
This policy plays an important role in meeting some of the Council’s priorities, namely:
- Health and Well Being
- Children and Young People
- Assisting vulnerable households
- Community Safety
- Housing
- Private sector renewal and energy efficiency (climate change)
Our housing strategy sets out our approach to housing in the borough. Our vision is: “For Tonbridge and Malling residents to have access to good quality and affordable homes that meet their needs, whether renting or buying”
The four priorities which will help us to do this are:
- making best use of existing homes, improving housing quality and sustainability
- improving housing options and opportunities to prevent homelessness
- delivering the homes our residents need where they need them
- working in partnership
Each priority includes a set of aims set out within the action plan. This policy contributes towards:
- Bringing empty homes back into use
- Targeted interventions to improve standards informed by TMBC Stock Modelling Database
- Assist households to improve the energy efficiency of their homes
- Continue delivery of mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
- support in the cleaning and clearance of properties where significantly cluttered as a result of hoarding
This policy will commence on the 01 November 2022. Outcomes from the Housing Assistance policy will be monitored on a quarterly basis.