Issue - meetings

To consider the outcomes of a review into the Council’s Housing Mutual Exchange and Home Swap procedures.

(Report attached)

RESOLVED that

subject to suitable rewording by Officers the following details be incorporated into the Council’s Housing Mutual Exchange Policy and Procedure:

“The Repair and Maintenance Officers should be employed to make the initial checks on each property to establish that no unauthorised alterations have been made to the properties and whether any rechargeable works need to be undertaken.

Any defects should be photographed and the details placed on file together with written reports concerning both properties.

Electrical tests for both properties should be arranged by Repairs and Maintenance.

The Tenancy Officer who is responsible for the mutual exchange together with the tenants involved should be advised in writing of any works required to be undertaken by them or the Council.

Normal Housing Mutual Exchange and Home Swap procedures should commence after the actions listed above have been completed satisfactorily.  (i.e. the Tenancy Officer responsible for the exchange should  visit both properties with both tenants).”

Councillor Field attended representing the Housing and Mutual Exchange Task Group.

A report was presented from the Housing and Mutual Exchange Task Group, which had reviewed the Council’s Housing Mutual Exchange and Home Swap procedures.  The Task Group had concluded that the current procedures operated by the Council were satisfactory and that no further scrutiny was required.   However, the Task Group recommended that existing inspection practices should be more explicitly stated in the Council’s Housing Mutual Exchange Policy and Procedure to ensure that the process was transparent.

RESOLVED that

subject to suitable rewording by Officers the following details be incorporated into the Council’s Housing Mutual Exchange Policy and Procedure:

“The Repair and Maintenance Officers should be employed to make the initial checks on each property to establish that no unauthorised alterations have been made to the properties and whether any rechargeable works need to be undertaken.

Any defects should be photographed and the details placed on file together with written reports concerning both properties.

Electrical tests for both properties should be arranged by Repairs and Maintenance.

The Tenancy Officer who is responsible for the mutual exchange together with the tenants involved should be advised in writing of any works required to be undertaken by them or the Council.

Normal Housing Mutual Exchange and Home Swap procedures should commence after the actions listed above have been completed satisfactorily.  (i.e. the Tenancy Officer responsible for the exchange should  visit both properties with both tenants).”