Agenda item - Discretionary Schemes

(copy attached).

26.1      The Panel considered a report that provided the findings of the recent review of the Discretionary Decorating and Gardening Scheme and set out the recommended changes for comment.

26.2      Anne Ewings stated that she hoped the qualifying age for the Discretionary Scheme could remain at 65.

26.3      Carl Boardman requested that the recommendations be made clear that only one room could be decorated every two years.

26.4      Tomm Nyhuus stated that further clarification was required on what was in the decorating pack for example, what type of paint was provided and how much it would cover and if other materials such as soapwash would be included.

26.5      The Housing Customer Service Team Leader clarified that a pack was at the meeting to view and sufficient materials were provided to cover a specific room with two coats of paint. Additional items such as soapwash could be considered for inclusion.

26.6      Tomm Nyhuus noted his concern that ensuring a standard of decoration could be a problem for a small number of residents and asked if advice would be provided.

26.7      The Housing Customer Service Team Leader replied that an advice sheet was provided in the pack and workshops were also conducted to assist.

26.8      Alan Hale stated that if the age of eligibility was raised to 75, he would like it made mandatory that the work be carried out on applicants behalf.

26.9      The Housing Customer Service Team Leader answered that there were two parts to the scheme; residents could apply for a pack and do the work themselves or by a family member or friend or they could apply for Mears operatives to carry out the work.

26.10   Charles Penrose asked that officers attend the Senior Housing Action Group to speak on the proposals.

26.11   Barry Hughes asked for better promotion of the scheme using other forms of media than electronic such as rent forms.

26.12   The Performance & Improvement Officer clarified that the scheme would be advertised in Homing In and the online application could be completed by the Customer Service Team upon request from residents.

26.13   RESOLVED- That the report be noted.