Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy review

Overview

The current Private Sector Housing Policy has been in place since 1 April 2021 when the unitary council was created.

During the last three years, we have identified areas of improvement within the Private Sector Housing Policy and the need to incorporate new and revised proposals as a response to the Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002 (RRO) and The Housing Grants, Construction, and Regeneration Act 1996. The (RRO) allows local authorities additional freedom in providing home adaptations and improvements in line with the needs of the local area and we have tried to take advantage of this autonomy by introducing new grants, simplifying processes and paperwork, where feasible and increasing discretionary grants where possible.

We have therefore reviewed the original policy, renamed it as Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy and we have incorporated new measures and proposals. Our main aim remains focused on supporting vulnerable, elderly and disabled residents by promoting independence and equality. Our proposals are to provide flexibility and adaptability by streamling processes for applicants, their carers and landlords and ensure those residents in greater need are helped. We want a new policy that will allow a mechanism to help more people and be written in plain language that will provide clarity and specificity for all to understand.

We would welcome comments on the revised draft Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy from our valued stakeholders and service users. The main objective of this consultation is to open a dialogue and receive your feedback on our proposals. Your comments will enable us to improve operations and ensure all parties involved can mutually benefit with our number one priority being the end recipient of the mandatory legal framework and discretionary grants published in this document.

You can share your comments via email, post or telephone:

Email: privatesectorhousing@northnorthants.gov.uk

Post:
North Northamptonshire Council
Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy Consultation
The Cube
George Street
Corby
NN17 1QG

If you require support in sharing feedback and would rather speak to a Council Officer, you can call Julie Goodrum on 01536 464175 Monday to Wednesday. Please leave a message if you call Thursday or Friday and Julie will return your call on the next working day.

Next Steps:
An analysis of the consultation responses will be undertaken and any amendments to the draft policy will be made. The draft Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy will then be presented to Executive for adoption in early 2025.

This consultation closes at 23.59 on 17 November 2024.

For information about how consultation and engagement responses are managed, please see the consultation and engagement privacy notice.