Issue - meetings

Purpose of Report

To present the reviewed Income Management and Arrears Policy document for approval, as detailed at Appendix to the officer’s report.

Decision

That the reviewed Income Management and Arrears Policy be approved.

Alternative Options Considered

None.

Reason for Decision

Following consultation with Lincoln Tenant’s Panel it had agreed with the revised policy in general terms, with comments as follows:

• LTP would like to see some more information on the outcomes of the Eviction Prevention Panel as referenced in the document.
• LTP would like to see review information on performance in 6-months’ time of the pilot structure incorporating a dedicated Rent Team.
• LTP would like to work on how we sustained tenancies, particularly for first time tenants and for people who were being resettled from other types of accommodation.
• There would need to be further work around what made up the total amount of arrears, and this would include considering any arrears coming from “bedroom tax” and a working group to review the Downsizing Scheme pilot.

All references to legislation and guidance had been updated.

The Policy had no significant changes to its content and purpose and as a result been widely consulted on. It had been re-written in a clearer format. Elements that were more procedural had been removed.

It was proposed to look at further work on the technical aspects of income collection, which did not impact on the content of this policy, later this financial year.