Purpose

To seek approval for final Allocations Policy
and consultation

Content

The Cabinet considered a report of the
Director of Economy and Place, which sought approval of the draft
Housing Allocations Policy. The report also sought agreement to
consult Registered Social Housing Providers on the matter.
 
The Head of Strategic Housing (People) and the
Principal Officer (People) were in
attendance to present the information and to address the
questions and the comments of the Cabinet Members.
 
The Officers informed of the draft Housing
Allocations Policy, supporting documents and an Equality Impact
Assessment; all of which considered the
extensive consultation that had been undertaken and Counsel’s
advice.
 
The report sought approval from Cabinet to
consult Registered Social Housing Providers, in accordance with the
1996 Housing Act and the Council’s statutory duty.
 
The Council had to consult on the full policy
document with Registered Social Housing Providers who held housing
stock within the borough, for a reasonable period of 6 weeks.
 
Resolved that the draft Housing Allocations
Policy be agreed and approval be given
to consult Registered Social Housing Providers on the matter.
 
Reason for decision:
The policy reflected the significant housing
need in the borough, of which the Council has a statutory duty to
prioritise, the notable increase in homelessness presentations, the
large number of applicants in temporary and supported accommodation
and the significant reduction in available social housing
accommodation.
 
The new policy approach
would assist the Council to provide a fair and honest housing
scheme which is fit for purpose,  to
support those in most need by providing a more bespoke and managed
service, to meet its statutory duties and make best use of its
nomination rights to available accommodation in the borough, to
provide an open and honest alternative pathway for those without a
housing need, to support a true housing options service for all
applicants, aligned with the Connected Services model and the
services provided by the Housing Solutions Hub, to strengthen the
Council’s approach to prevention and homelessness legislative
requirements; and to target resources where they are most
needed.
 
The policy had been drafted following
comprehensive consultation with those directly affected by the new
policy approach, Elected Members and numerous other stakeholders,
including housing and homelessness professionals, social housing
landlords, 3rd sector organisations and
the general public.
 
The draft also took into account the legal
advice given by Counsel of a leading public sector barristers
chambers.
 
The Council had to consult Register Social
Housing Providers on any significant amendments to its Allocation
Policy; as required in accordance to the
Housing Act 1996.
 
Alternatives considered and rejected:
Continuing with the current policy would not
be fit for purpose and the approach would not be a sustainable and
viable option in order for the Council to meet its statutory
duties.