What is the policy trying to achieve/do?
A Tenancy Sustainment Policy has been developed in response to the continued focus on tenancy sustainment, particularly at a time when many of our tenants and wider residents are facing extreme pressures and may require assistance. The intention is to provide a clear overarching framework which sets out North Lanarkshire Council’s Housing Service proactive approach to tenancy sustainment and its commitment to preventing homelessness whenever possible.
We recognise that sustaining a home requires a range of life skills and that some people will lack the required skills or experience difficulties accessing support. There may also be changes in circumstances or periods of crisis where tenants are vulnerable and experience difficulties in sustaining their home.
Tenancy breakdown is a failed opportunity and represents a real cost in financial and resourcing terms as well as human and social terms. People who become homeless are stigmatised and are likely to be affected by poor mental health and wellbeing which impacts on their ability to sustain any future accommodation.
If this policy is subject to the FSD what does it suggest about the impact or potential impact on socio-economic disadvantage?
The Tenancy Sustainment Policy is subject to the Fairer Scotland Duty given the proactive engagement with our tenants and residents to help them resolve a housing problem which is likely to have an impact on those who are affected by socio-economic disadvantage.
The assessment identifies that it will have a positive impact on low income, low wealth and material and area deprivation through the increased provision of good quality housing advice, assistance and homeless prevention activity. This policy is intended to help people at risk of becoming homeless and provide them with the necessary support and assistance to remain in their home or to access other suitable housing options, including low-cost home ownership. Advice will be person-centred and may include access to income maximisation and financial inclusion as well as advice services to address poverty/fuel poverty and maximise employment opportunities. It may also assist those with disabilities or experiencing other disadvantages by making connections to assist in meeting their needs such as adaptations or accessible housing.
It is hoped that area deprivation will be reduced by assisting people to sustain their homes and create strong and vibrant communities.
Give details of the impact it has on groups and individuals
The Tenancy Sustainment Policy is envisaged to have a positive impact on several groups and individuals who share a protected characteristic. These include:
- people of all ages with increased focus on families with children and younger people;
- disabled people and people with long term health conditions;
- people from ethnic minority backgrounds;
- pregnant women and new mothers;
- LGBTQI+ people;
- people of different beliefs or faiths;
- children and families;
- people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness;
- people who have been looked after and accommodated;
- people transitioning from care;
- care experienced young people;
- people who are carers for family members; and
- asylum seekers and refugees.
A positive impact is identified because of the range of housing options, sustainment and prevention activity targeted to these groups and individuals who share these characteristics within Tenancy Sustainment Policy. These include but are not limited to:
- good-quality advice and information specific to individual needs;
- homeless prevention activity to enable people to remain in their current home wherever possible;
- reducing trauma and stigma to reduce health inequalities;
- sustaining tenancies and promoting inclusion and community cohesion;
- reducing poverty through connections to wider financial inclusion services; and
- increasing economic opportunities via connections with employment agencies.
What actions/measures will be put in place or are planned to mitigate any adverse impact or promote equality?
At this stage there are no adverse impacts identified in the Tenancy Sustainment Policy as its intention is to specifically target the most disadvantaged and vulnerable households where they may be at risk of housing crisis and to work with the households, and any services which they are engaged with to proactively assist them to sustain their home.
What is the result/recommendations of the EqIA?
The recommendation is that the Tenancy Sustainment Policy is implemented.