Issue - meetings

To outline a proposal to implement furnished tenancies for Council tenants.

Members considered a proposal to implement furnished tenancies for Council tenants. The Housing Department was aware that a number of tenants were living without essential furniture items. It was stated that the demand for items through partnerships with Charity organisations had helped but the demand for furniture items may not always be able to be met. The research conducted by End Furniture Poverty found that living without essential items including an oven, fridge, freezer, and washing machine impacts financially on the tenant along with mental health impacts and physical needs.

RESOLVED that the proposal and a one-off budget of £5,000 for external legal advice be approved in 2022/23, to be funded from Housing Revenue Account (HRA) working balances

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.