The Director of Housing has submitted a report to approve the HRA Policies, following the recommendation from Cabinet on 22 October 2025.

Council is recommended to:

1.    Approve the Damp and Mould Policy

2.    Approve the Fire Safety Policy

3.    Approve the Asbestos Policy

4.    Approve the Disrepair Policy

Council resolved to:

1. Approve the Damp and Mould Policy
2. Approve the Fire Safety Policy
3. Approve the Asbestos Policy
4. Approve the Disrepair Policy

The Director of Housing had submitted a report to approve the HRA Policies, following the recommendation from Cabinet on 22 October 2025. 

 
Councillor Linda smith introduced the report, outlining that the policy framework would support the safety of residents in council-owned homes and maintain upkeep of the housing stock. Council also heard that the policies are designed to meet the high standards of the Regulator for Social Housing and new statutory obligations which have been imposed since the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 and the death of Awaab Ishak in 2020. Councillor Linda Smith referred Members to the stipulation for all emergency cases of damp and mould to be dealt with within 24 hours and outlined the necessary process for this. Finally, Council heard that a new strategy for resident involvement will be brought forward to the next meeting of Cabinet; this was summarised and it was confirmed that all policies brought to Council will have had resident feedback.

 
Councillor Fouweather welcomed the report and asked whether the entire Council Housing stock had been reviewed within the 5 years, as per the requirement noted in the report. Councillor Linda Smith explained that this has not yet been completed but noted that it is ongoing and confirmed that all flats have been surveyed.  

Councillor Djafari-Marbini welcomed the report and queried how better engagement with housing associations could be supported in relation to damp and mould issues. Councillor Linda Smith clarified that the report before Council relates only to the Council owned housing stock which does not include housing association, however explained that if damp and mould is present with housing association homes, then contact can be made with the Council’s residential regulation team who can take up enforcement action as required.  

Councillor Smowton requested clarification in relation to e-bikes at Council owned properties. Councillor Linda Smith offered to set out more detail in writing but summarised that the Council does not wish for e-bikes to be stored within Council owned properties and instead recommends residents to use outside storage unites to manage fire risks.  

Councillor Roz Smith welcomed the policy on e-bikes but asked how those who are not supplied with sufficiently sized storage for e-bikes and mobility scooters outside may be penalised by this policy. Council heard that external storage units must be fit for purpose. Councillor Linda Smith agreed and noted her support for the points raised; she requested information on particular areas or blocks experiencing this issue to ensure it can be raised with the appropriate officers.  

 
Councillor Miles asked whether data is available which demonstrates the proportion of housing stock, specifically flats, where bike parking is provided. If note, it was asked that this data gap be filled to ensure targeted provision of required facilities. Councillor Linda Smith committed to providing the information in writing.  

Councillor Linda Smith moved the report; Councillor Brown seconded.  

Council resolved to:  

1. Approve?the Damp and Mould Policy 

2. Approve the Fire Safety Policy 

3. Approve the Asbestos Policy 

4. Approve the Disrepair Policy