Issue - meetings

Recommendation HP 24/25 of the Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee of 21 May 2024 in respect of proposals for a transfer incentive scheme.

Consideration was given to recommendation HP 24/25 of the Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee of 21 May 2024 in respect of proposals for a new transfer incentive scheme policy to assist with making best use of existing housing stock.

Cabinet had due regard to the views of the Scrutiny Select Committee, the financial and value for money considerations, the legal implications and recognised that a financial incentive might not be the only factor in encouraging tenants to downsize. The Borough Council would work with relevant housing providers and other agencies to offer support where required.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)         the Transfer Incentive Scheme (at Annex 1) be approved.

(Decision Notice: D240061CAB)

Consideration was given to recommendation HP 24/25 of the Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee of 21 May 2024 in respect of proposals for a new transfer incentive scheme policy to assist with making best use of existing housing stock.

Cabinet had due regard to the views of the Scrutiny Select Committee, the financial and value for money considerations, the legal implications and recognised that a financial incentive might not be the only factor in encouraging tenants to downsize. The Borough Council would work with relevant housing providers and other agencies to offer support where required.

RESOLVED:  That the Transfer Incentive Scheme (at Annex 1) be approved.

This report recommends the approval of a new transfer incentive scheme policy to help Tonbridge & Malling B.C. make the best use of existing housing stock.

Members considered proposals for a new transfer incentive scheme policy to assist Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council to make the best use of existing housing stock. 

A potential Scheme was attached at Annex 1 and proposed incentive payments ranging from £1,500 to £3,500 depending upon the size of the property released with an additional £2,000 for the freeing up of an adapted property.  Funding for the Scheme would be met from existing budgets such as Discretionary Housing Payments or Housing Assistance reserve.

The Scheme would be closely monitored and where it was determined that there was no available funding in year, applications could be deferred to the following year. 

It was recognised that a financial incentive might not be the only factor in encouraging a tenant to downsize.  The Borough Council would work with relevant housing providers and other agencies to offer support where required.  

*RECOMMENDED:  That the Transfer Incentive Scheme (at Annex 1) be commended to Cabinet for approval.

*Recommended to Cabinet