Purpose

The new Housing Allocations Policy was approved by Housing Policy Committee on 29 January 2026. Committee agreed a target implementation date of September 2026 and delegated authority to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Chair of Housing Policy Committee, to alter the implementation date if necessary.

Significant progress has been made but critical implementation dependencies cannot be completed to the required standard by 30 September 2026. Approval is sought to move implementation by 6 weeks to 11 November 2026. This will allow officers to ensure that key deliverables such as procedures, communications and training meet the high standards we are committed to as part of the development of the new policy.

Decision

That the implementation date for the new Housing Allocations Policy, originally planned for September 2026 (see Housing Policy approval on 29 January 2026), be delayed to 11 November 2026.

Reasons for the decision

Several key implementation activities cannot be completed to the required standard by 30 September 2026. Delaying implementation by 6 weeks until 11 November 2026 will allow completion of procedures, policy summary, communications, training and adapted property system configuration, reducing risk and supporting successful delivery.

Alternative options considered

Alternative Option 1:  Implement on 30 September 2026. Rejected because key implementation tasks remain incomplete.  Proceeding on that basis would increase the risk of inconsistent application of the new policy, customer confusion and dissatisfaction, increased complaints, reviews and appeals, operational inefficiencies during early implementation, additional pressure on Housing Services and Customer Services teams, and reduced confidence amongst stakeholders and applicants.

Alternative Option 2:  Delay beyond 11 November 2026. Rejected because key tasks are expected to be completed by 11 November and this option would unnecessarily delay policy benefits.