Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Leisure seeking agreement for the introduction of a new Mobility Scooter storage and usage policy for the City Council’s Housing stock to support the safety of residents whilst recognizing their independence.

That the policy is adopted.

1. More and more people are purchasing mobility scooters to aid their independence as they become older and / or less mobile and the storage of these items in communal areas is a potential hazard especially around fire.
2. The Council is committed to enabling older people to stay independent for as long as possible and recognises that mobility scooters are a key part of this. The Council therefore wanted to ensure that guidance on the storage and recharging of mobility scooters is clear.
3. Hampshire Fire and Rescue have raised concerns that the Council did not have a formal policy in regard to the storage of mobility scooters and were clear that the Council needed to ensure that all communal areas in housing blocks were kept free from obstruction.

1. That the situation be managed through reference to the Tenancy Agreement solely as the Tenancy does state that communal areas must be kept clear.
2. Due to the increasing number of older people wishing to purchase scooters, it was felt that a wider policy that includes proactive steps would be of benefit to all.