Issue - meetings

To seek approval to offer a furniture rental scheme to tenants without essential furniture items

In December 2022 Cabinet approved a proposal for the Council to consider offering furnished tenancies. Following this approval, officers in the housing service contacted other housing organisations to gather examples and information. Very few organisations offer furnished tenancies. However, many were operating successful furniture rental schemes.

Initially the scheme would not be offered to every tenant, but those in need would be identified as part of the assessment completed prior to commencement of tenancy. It is likely that many of those who will benefit will be homeless applicants.

The charge for the furniture rental will be added as a service charge on the tenancy agreement. Confirmation has been obtained that the scheme would be fully eligible for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit. Therefore, tenants claiming these benefits would have the total cost of rental covered.

It was suggested that floor coverings be considered in the future through grants or a charitable scheme and reported to a future meeting.

RESOLVED that:

1.    The Council implements a furniture rental scheme and;

2.    The service of a furniture rental company is procured.

Reason

The aim of the Corporate Plan was to provide a good quality home for everyone. By providing support with furniture to reduce the burden financially to tenants would meet the priorities and objectives highlighted in the Corporate Plan.