Vulnerable Residents and Reasonable Adjustments Policy - Have Your Say

We want your views

Mid Devon Housing (MDH) has reviewed its Vulnerability Policy, and we would like to hear your views before the policy is finalised. The policy explains how we identify and support residents who may need additional help, and how we make reasonable adjustments to ensure everyone can access our housing services fairly and safely. It also sets out how we record support needs and work with other organisations to help residents maintain their tenancies.

How to take part

We want to make sure this policy meets the needs of our residents. Please take some time to read the policy which you can download from this page, and then complete our short survey at the bottom of this page and tell us whether you agree with the proposed approach, what works well, and whether there is anything you think we should change or add. Your feedback will help shape the final policy before it is adopted.

The consultation is open from 1st July - 31st July 2026.

Why are we reviewing this policy?

Everyone's circumstances are different, and some residents may need extra support due to factors such as:

• Disability or reduced mobility
• Mental health difficulties
• Age-related needs
• Sensory impairments
• Learning disabilities
• Domestic abuse
• Illness or frailty
• Language or communication barriers
• Significant life events such as bereavement or crisis

The updated policy aims to ensure we recognise these needs and provide appropriate support and reasonable adjustments where needed.

What are the proposed changes?

• A clearer definition of vulnerability
• Greater focus on individual needs rather than labels
• Stronger guidance on identifying vulnerabilities
• Expanded guidance on support available
• New emphasis on residents who decline support
• More comprehensive reasonable adjustments section
• Stronger recording and data management requirements
• Alignment with current legislation

Equality and inclusion

An Equality Impact Assessment has been completed alongside the policy. The assessment found that the policy is expected to have a positive impact on residents with protected characteristics, particularly disabled residents, older residents, people experiencing domestic abuse, and those who face language or communication barriers. It also identifies actions to reduce risks such as digital exclusion and difficulties accessing information.