Purpose

To agree key steps in
progressing the Council’s approach to supporting housing
solutions for residents.

Decision

RESOLVED
that:
 
1)    
Breckland District Council becomes a Registered
Provider (of Social Housing), and delegates to the Executive
Director, in consultation with the Executive Member for Housing
& Homelessness, application via the Regulator of Social
Housing

 
2)    
an updated Tenancy Strategy as set out in Appendix A
of the report be agreed.
 
3)    
the Tenancy Policy as set out in Appendix B of the
report be agreed.
 
4)    
the Local Lettings Plan as set out in Appendix C of
the report be agreed.
 
5)    
Delegated Authority be given to the Executive
Director, in consultation with the Executive Member for Housing
& Homelessness, authority to take the necessary steps to
implement the above.
 

Reasons for the decision

Becoming an Registered Provider will allow Breckland to
effectively manage the implications of the residential units
acquired through the Local Authority Housing
Fund. The delegated authority would allow for the
necessary application to be submitted, and for the subsequent work
to be carried out to establish this new way of
working.
 
The amended Tenancy Strategy,
the Tenancy Policy and Local Lettings Plan are required to ensure
that Breckland has the necessary documentation in place to enable
it in its new role as an Registered
Provider and let properties.
 

Alternative options considered

Option 1 –
As set out in the report, take the necessary steps
to become a Registered Provider, and establish the required
strategy and policy documents to provide robust and transparent
housing service to residents.  

 
Option 2 –
Do nothing. Not recommended as the Council
would be acting against clear advice from the regulator and would
not receive the associated benefits of becoming a Registered
Provider.