| Title |
Budget Saving Option 21 and 22 Housing Supply of Gas and Electricity |
| Lead officer(s) |
Blair Millar |
| Telephone number |
|
| Email address |
blair.millar@east-ayrshire,gov.uk |
| Date summary created |
22 Feb 2024 |
| Date assessment completed |
22 Feb 2024 |
| Summary of policy aims |
The cost of gas and electricity provision within the Council`s temporary accommodation is to be passed on to the occupants of the temporary accommodation. Currently all utility costs are met by the Council. There is a financial impact to tenants of temporary accommodation, however is representative of the costs which require to be met within a permanent home and assists with client budgeting and the transition to settled accommodation. Tenants will be supported to budget and where required access additional support to meet their utility costs. |
| Key issues |
All homeless households are provided with the same advice and support to address their support needs. Support is person-centred and may be provided from Housing Options, Vibrant Communities, HSCP and third sector support providers. Smart meters are being installed across the portfolio of temporary accommodation to assist with usage and recording. One preferred energy supplier has been identified and all property details and meter readings will be taken at start and end of occupation. Details will be recorded on an electronic portal, managed by the Housing Options Team. Full information, guidance and assistance will be provided to tenants by the Temporary Accommodation Supports Officers in relation to utilities, making payments, managing accounts and financial budgeting. |
| Summary of involvement with Groups |
Targeted consultation events took place with the Equalities Forum, Children and Young People's Cabinet and Employees. Consultation information was also shared with the Parent Council and Local Business Associations and through Place Workers in Vibrant Communities, an invitation was extended to community councils and other community groups for members of the Council Management Team to attend their meetings. The initiative was driven by the need to capture a wide range of perspectives on the Council's services and provided an opportunity for communities to voice their priorities and to highlight those areas where they feel the Council can reduce what it does and how it can deliver services differently. Questions included asking respondents to rank a range of council services and to indicate their support for the Council's Strategic Priorities, together with a series of open ended questions to identify services where respondents thought the Council could stop or reduce delivery, deliver services differently or increase income. |
| Key recommendations |
All homeless households are provided with the same advice and support to address their support needs. Support is person-centred and may be provided from Housing Options, Vibrant Communities, HSCP and third sector support providers. This will allow households to learn to budget and maintain a home with support form services to ensure they are able to cope. |