Decant policy

1.1 A decant is where a resident is required to move from their permanent home into alternative accommodation because of unexpected damage or major repair or improvement works that means the resident cannot remain in the property while the work is carried out, or when the property is to be disposed of or redeveloped. It could be a permanent or temporary decant and may involve anything from moving one household to managing a programme of decants across a large number of properties over a period of time.

1.2 Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) recognises that the decant process can be particularly upsetting and stressful to residents. We will seek to both minimise the disruption and provide as much notice to residents wherever we are able to.

1.3 Residents who are compelled to move, may have a legal right to compensation for the loss of their home and/or the costs of moving. This policy sets out how WHBC will work with affected residents, and when we will compensate them for the loss of their home and the additional costs they may incur.

1.4 This policy does not cover general compensation claims and if a resident wishes to make a claim for compensation against WHBC they should refer to WHBC’s insurance team.

1.5 This scheme applies to:

• Council tenants and leaseholders who live on an estate where major improvements or demolition and redevelopment are planned.
• Legal tenants of Council leaseholders who live on an estate where major improvements or demolition and redevelopment are planned.
• Council tenants and leaseholders who experience unexpected damage or major repair requirements to their property.
• Legal tenants of Council leaseholders who experience unexpected damage or major repair requirements to their property.

This policy does not apply to unauthorised occupants or lodgers or households who are occupying temporary accommodation provided by WHBC.