Purpose

Approve a suite a policies for the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) properties including a rent setting policy to change the rent calculation from Local Housing Allowance (LHA) to Affordable Rent.
 

Decision

Cabinet RESOLVED to:

1. Approves the attached policy suite in Appendix A to D and as set out in summary in this report.
2. Approves the rent-setting methodology set out in 11.1 of this report.
3. Delegates authority to the Executive Director for Growth and Economy to finalise and implement rents in line with the approved Rent Setting Policy, subject to statutory notice requirements.
4. Approve the application of these policies and rent-setting methodology to any current and future housing schemes delivered by the council where it is considered appropriate and relevant to do so. 

Alternative options considered

Do nothing / retain current arrangements (not recommended) - Under this option, the Council would continue to manage the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) properties without formally adopted policies, relying on interim operational arrangements. This would leave the Council without a clear, approved framework for allocations, tenancy management and historic rent setting which would increase the programmes legal and financial risk.

Approve LAHF policies (recommended) Adoption of proposed policies provides a lawful and transparent framework for managing LAHF homes. This option ensures compliance with statutory and grant requirements, reduces risk, and supports long-term use of the properties in-line with the objectives of the LHAF programme.