Purpose

To develop and adopt an updated tenancy Strategy and a new Tenancy Policy.

Decision

1. 1

The Committee considered a report which sought approval of Sheffield City Council's updated Tenancy Strategy.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy Committee:-

a)    Note the outcome of the public consultation.

b)    Approve the updated Sheffield Tenancy Strategy.

c)    Delegate authority to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Chair of Housing Policy Committee, to make any necessary minor amendments required to reflect legislative, regulatory, organisational or administrative changes which take effect prior to the next full review of the Tenancy Strategy by the Housing Policy Committee.

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

Approval was recommended because the Council has a statutory duty under section 150 of the Localism Act 2011 to prepare and keep its Tenancy Strategy under review. The current Strategy was approved in 2013 and no longer reflects the current legislative and regulatory framework, changes to Council tenancy practice or the housing pressures now affecting Sheffield.

1. 3.2

The updated Strategy reflected key changes since 2013, including the implementation of Introductory Tenancies, the approved limited use of Flexible Tenancies for specific supported housing schemes, increased homelessness and Temporary Accommodation pressures, and the Regulator of Social Housing’s strengthened Consumer Standards. It also set a clearer framework for partners, including Registered Providers operating in Sheffield.

1. 3.3

The Strategy would strengthen governance and regulatory assurance, improve clarity for tenants, Members, officers and Registered Providers, and support fair tenancy management, tenancy sustainment and the effective use of social housing across the city.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

Retain the 2013 Strategy.

Rejected as the current Strategy no longer reflects changes in legislation, regulation, Council tenancy practice or local housing pressures. Retaining the existing Strategy would leave the Council relying on an outdated strategic framework, increasing the risk of regulatory challenge and reducing its ability to demonstrate that its tenancy approach remains fair, transparent and aligned with current statutory and regulatory requirements.