Document Runnymede Borough Council's Home Improvement Policy

The Corporate Head of Housing reported that the Ombudsman had recommended that the Council’s Adaptation Policy, approved in 2021, should adopt a tenure neutral policy.  It was therefore intended that the Home Improvement Policy would supersede this following a public consultation.    

It was added that this was likely to have resource implications owing to the increased volume of applications and greater chance of approval, which could in-turn have cost implications.  This would be kept under review.

A Member asked about potential risks of working in partnership with Woking Borough Council given their well-documented financial troubles, and was advised that the HomeLink Handyperson service was a Surrey County Council grant and not dependent on Woking’s own finances.

            Resolved that –

Members approved the proposed Home Assistance Policy and the move to a tenure neutral service for residents, led by the Home Improvement Agency.