Decision details

(Report of Cabinet Member for Finance and Housing and Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health)

Consideration was given to the provision of a Hoarding Co-ordinator service for residents of Tonbridge and Malling and associated clearance and clean-up works.  This to be funded via the disabled facilities grant element of the Better Care Fund (BCF). 

The proposal was for the Home Improvement Agency to deliver the Hoarding Co-ordinator role which they already undertook across Kent as part of their hospital discharge service.

As defined by the Kent and Medway Multi-Agency Policy and Procedures to Support People that Self Neglect or Demonstrate Hoarding Behaviour (attached as Annex 1) hoarding was the excessive collection and retention of any material to the point that living space was sufficiently cluttered to preclude activities for what they were designed for.  Hoarding was a recognised mental health diagnosis.

Due regard was given to the financial and value for money considerations set out in the report and it was noted that the BCF continued to be underspent in recent years.  The diversion of funding to support further revenue initiatives would provide essential support in respect of hoarding in the community. Members recognised the importance of addressing hoarding issues within properties as it enabled households to remain in their home safely.  There was also a wider positive impact for neighbouring properties.

Following consideration by the Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Housing resolved that:

(1)             a part-time (0.5FTE) Hoarding Co-ordinator role employed by the Home Improvement Agency be funded via the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) element of the Better Care Fund;

(2)             the estimated cost of £30,000 per annum for this role be noted;

(3)             a £15,000 per annum budget for clearance and clean-up works be provided and funded from the Better Care Fund;

(4)             authority to enter into the contract with the Home Improvement Agency be delegated to the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health.