Issue - items at meetings - Pilot of Level Access Showers - Update

Report of the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

(1)      That the positive impact this pilot has had, in terms of increasing the number of accessible council owned properties for people in housing need in Brighton & Hove is noted.

(2)      That the work to proactively deliver the installation of level access showers by identifying suitable one bedroom ground floor properties when they become empty, be continued.

76.1    The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director Environment, Development and Housing which provided an update following the 12 month pilot enabling one bed ground floor flats that become empty and require a bathroom replacement, to be considered for the installation of a level access shower instead of a bath.  The report was presented by the Performance Manager.

76.2    Councillor Mears commented that it was a very good report.  However she highlighted that there would be circumstances when people with carers would need a two bedroom property.  The Performance Manager replied that officers were currently reviewing the policy and criteria of the loft conversions and extensions programme and it is likely that one of the recommendations will be to identify a range of property sizes via the empty homes process. 

76.3    RESOLVED - (1)     That the positive impact this pilot has had, in terms of increasing the number of accessible council owned properties for people in housing need in Brighton & Hove is noted.

(2)      That the work to proactively deliver the installation of level access showers by identifying suitable one bedroom ground floor properties when they become empty, be continued.