Purpose

This review of the Housing Allocations Policy
aims to ensure that the policy remains fair, transparent, and
aligned with current legal frameworks, local priorities, and
housing needs. The review considers recent legislative changes,
shifts in housing demand, and feedback from service users and
stakeholders. The goal is to deliver a revised policy that supports
efficient housing management, reflects local priorities, and
promotes fairness and social inclusion.

Content

Decision:
To approve the revised Housing
Allocations Scheme, as set out in Appendix 1.
 
Reason(s):
1.                
Guildford Borough Council’s Housing
Allocations Scheme last had a full review in August 2014. The
scheme has been updated to remain complaint with legislation and
guidance, with reviews in March 2019, August 2024 and May 2025,
however a full review is due.
2.                
Following the adoption of a new Housing Strategy and
a Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy in April
2025, a review of the Housing Allocations Scheme is a natural
progression of reviewing and updating service
arrangements.
3.                
This review will include any learning from recent
case studies, align our approach to our partners at Waverley in
steps towards Local Government Restructure, and encompass the
provisions we have committed to as part of the Surrey House Project
for care leavers.
4.                
The update of the scheme forms part of and supports
the work on the Housing Improvement Programme, as well as
contributing to the ambitions and priorities set out in the
Corporate Plan.
 
Other options considered and
rejected by the Executive:
1.           
To require further consultation and/or review on the
Housing Allocations Scheme and bring the scheme back for subsequent
review. This option is not recommended as it would delay the
implementation of improvements and progression with wider
improvements to the service.
2.           
To carry out a review that looks to implement more
major changes. This option is not recommended. With Local
Government Reorganisation expected, it is recommended that to carry
out a full, major review of the Housing Allocation Scheme would be
a significant use of resources given the likelihood of further
changes when reorganisation takes place.
3.           
Do nothing and keep the existing Allocation Scheme
the same. This option is not recommended. A failure to implement
the changes identified following the review would risk the Council
failing to comply with legislation, case law and Government
guidance, and would miss an opportunity for the Council to achieve
the objectives of its Corporate Plan and Housing
Strategy.
 
Details of any conflict of
interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any
dispensation granted:
None.