Agenda item

To give further consideration to the motion.

Cabinet gave further consideration to the following motion which had been moved by Councillor K Edwards and seconded by Councillor P Raynes at the Council meeting on 27^th February 2014 and referred to Cabinet for consideration:

“In line with the aspiration to improve the quality of life of all in Cheshire East, this Council should be satisfied that there has been no harm done to the health and wellbeing of the residents who have been affected by the Spare Room Subsidy.

We therefore call upon this Council to carry out Health Impact, and Equality Impact Assessments on the effects of the implementation of the Spare Room Subsidy throughout the Borough.

In particular, the Council should assess the impact on those residents who have been detrimentally affected, because they have been in receipt of Housing Benefit Support since before 1996.”

An interim response had been considered by Cabinet on 29th April 2014 outlining the approach to be taken. This would require the undertaking of health, finance and equality impact assessments; and a review of those impacts on the housing waiting lists and availability of accommodation and on registered housing providers.

The report showed the number of households affected by the spare room subsidy across Cheshire East.

There had been a 30% increase since 2013/14 in the number on the waiting list looking for social housing, due to the increased demand to downsize with an increase of 12% by those facing overcrowding.

The report also set out details of the Health Impact Assessment. This showed that the majority of those affected could move and downsize and/or gain employment or increased hours,  with only certain groups considered to be most vulnerable and most likely to be supported by a Discretionary Housing Payment. Further details were set out in the report.

The Corporate Welfare Reform Group was continuing to review and plan for the introduction of the wider welfare reforms, working with partners, and to evaluate the impacts on Cheshire East. The Benefits Team had been working with customers and stakeholders to help mitigate the impact and provide support and advice.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance asked that his thanks to Liz Rimmer and her team be placed on record.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet write to the Rt. Hon. Ian Duncan Smith MP with the findings of the study, and with the suggestion that the following areas be considered for review:

§  Having a clear definition within the Housing Benefit rules with regard to minimum size criteria for a bedroom;

§  Allow a bedroom for a child where there is regular access (e.g. a child stays at least one day a week overnight);

§  Consideration be given to allowing an additional bedroom where a couple are unable to share, matching the rules where children are unable to share a bedroom due to the medical needs of one of them;

§  An additional bedroom be allowed where it is required to store medical needs;

§  Local Planning authorities should encourage the building of more one and two bedroom accommodation.