Energy efficiency - alongside the other councils in the county we are part of the Northamptonshire Warm Homes Group. This group works together to improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty and jointly bid for any funding that is available to assist in these aims. Previous schemes have included the installation of external wall insulation, boiler replacements and dealing with hard to heat properties. Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) we have a detailed which explains the DFG – process and conditions. DFGs are a means tested grant available to those who need an adaptation to live independently and safely in their home. It is available across all tenures subject to the owners permission. The majority of DFGs are installed in owner occupied properties with level access showers and stairlifts being the most common type of grant. Affordable housing the Housing Allocation Policy has been completely reviewed during council’s 2017 to ensure it continues to provide a fair and transparent framework for the allocation of the available affordable housing. It now incorporates a joint assessment process for DFG and housing applications to ensure best use is made of available housing stock and grant resources our Service Level Agreement with Registered Providers advertising properties through the Choice Based Lettings Scheme ensures that applicants council’s are considered fairly and that nominations to properties are appropriate and provided in a timely manner Registered Providers are encouraged to deliver housing which meets the needs identified in the district and assists with the discharge of the homelessness duties council’s remains affordable by ensuring that rents are kept within the Local Housing Allowance provides security of tenure by providing tenancies for a minimum of 5 years. Future action We will: Ensure properties rented out through the private sector meet the required standards in terms of repair, energy efficiency, smoke and CO2 monitors Investigate ways of working with private landlords to encourage them to assist us with our housing duties Provide all owner occupiers and tenants with a signposting location for the energy efficiency grants and loans available Continue to reduce the number of long term empty properties in the district through negotiation, support and, where necessary, enforcement Continue to provide Disabled Facilities Grants to those eligible across the district to ensure people can remain at home living independently for longer Ensure that where an adapted property is needed by an applicant on the waiting list that all options are explored to prevent needless or incompatible adaptations from being implemented
Energy efficiency - alongside the other councils in the county we are part of the Northamptonshire Warm Homes Group. This group works together to improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty and jointly bid for any funding that is available to assist in these aims. Previous schemes have included the installation of external wall insulation, boiler replacements and dealing with hard to heat properties. Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) – we have a detailed which explains the DFG process and conditions. DFGs are a means tested grant available to those who need an adaptation to live independently and safely in their home. It is available across all tenures subject to the owners permission. The majority of DFGs are installed in owner occupied properties with level access showers and stairlifts being the most common type of grant. Affordable housing the council’s Housing Allocation Policy has been completely reviewed during 2017 to ensure it continues to provide a fair and transparent framework for the allocation of the available affordable housing. It now incorporates a joint assessment process for DFG and housing applications to ensure best use is made of available housing stock and grant resources our Service Level Agreement with Registered Providers advertising properties through the council’s Choice Based Lettings Scheme ensures that applicants are considered fairly and that nominations to properties are appropriate and provided in a timely manner Registered Providers are encouraged to deliver housing which meets the needs identified in the district and assists with the discharge of the council’s homelessness duties remains affordable by ensuring that rents are kept within the Local Housing Allowance provides security of tenure by providing tenancies for a minimum of 5 years. Future action We will: Ensure properties rented out through the private sector meet the required standards in terms of repair, energy efficiency, smoke and CO2 monitors Investigate ways of working with private landlords to encourage them to assist us with our housing duties Provide all owner occupiers and tenants with a signposting location for the energy efficiency grants and loans available Continue to reduce the number of long term empty properties in the district through negotiation, support and, where necessary, enforcement Continue to provide Disabled Facilities Grants to those eligible across the district to ensure people can remain at home living independently for longer Ensure that where an adapted property is needed by an applicant on the waiting list that all options are explored to prevent needless or incompatible adaptations from being implemented
housing_strategy.docx