The Cabinet Member Signing meeting, held on Monday 19 January 2026, saw the approval of two new policies: the Garage Allocations Policy and the Clear Communal Areas Policy. These policies aim to modernise and improve the management of council housing services, aligning with the Council's Housing Strategy and Housing Improvement Plan.

Garage Allocations Policy

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council, adopted the new Garage Allocations Policy, which will come into effect from a date in 2025. This policy provides clear guidance on how Haringey Council manages garage allocations and applications. The decision was made to ensure the Council meets the Social Housing Regulator's consumer standards, specifically the Tenancy Standard and the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard. An alternative option of continuing with an outdated policy was rejected as it would not meet the needs of the Council or its tenants, nor align with the Council's commitments in its Housing Strategy 2024 – 2029 and Housing Improvement Plan 2023.

The policy aims to manage the Council's garage stock effectively, maximise usage, prevent disrepair and misuse, and ensure fair and transparent allocation to maximise rental income. Anyone over 18 can apply for the garage waiting list, with joint applications accepted. Priority for allocation is given to existing garage licensees needing to move, followed by Haringey Council tenants or leaseholders living on the relevant estate, then other Haringey Council tenants or leaseholders, and finally any other non-Haringey Council tenants or leaseholders, including businesses. The policy also outlines conditions for renting a garage, including adherence to the licence agreement, keeping garages in good repair, and the tenant's responsibility for insuring their own possessions. A zero-tolerance approach to rent arrears is stated, with termination of the licence and repossession of the garage for non-payment. The policy was developed with input from council officers and engaged with tenants and leaseholders through the Resident Voice Board (RVB), which reviewed and approved the draft policy in January 2025.

Clear Communal Areas Policy

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Deputy Leader of the Council, also adopted the new Clear Communal Areas Policy, effective from a date in 2025. This policy provides guidance, including enforcement measures, on how Haringey Council manages the common areas of its council housing. The adoption of this policy is intended to help the Council meet the Social Housing Regulator's consumer standards, specifically the Safety and Quality Standard and the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard. The alternative of continuing with an outdated policy or having no policy was rejected as it would not meet the Council's or its tenants' needs and would not support the Council's commitments in its Housing Strategy 2024 – 2029 and Housing Improvement Plan 2023.

The policy's aim is to support the effective management of communal areas for the safety of tenants, leaseholders, and other users. It outlines the Council's legal duty to keep means of escape and fire routes clear, and details tenant responsibilities to follow health and safety advice and keep communal areas free from obstruction. The policy clarifies the Council's legal powers, including the use of a Permanent TORT notice under the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977, which allows for the immediate removal and disposal of unapproved items from communal areas. It also references Section 41 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, which allows for the refusal of compensation for material loss of items. The policy adopts a managed approach rather than a zero tolerance approach, meaning applications to store items in communal areas will be assessed individually, with a focus on ensuring items do not obstruct fire exits or add to fire risk. In exceptional circumstances, written permission may be granted for storing items, such as bicycles, in designated areas. The policy also commits to communicating regularly with tenants and leaseholders about the need to keep communal areas clear and outlines a recharge system for costs incurred if reasonable requests for removal of items are not followed. Resident feedback from the Resident Voice Board (RVB) in July and November 2024 informed the policy, particularly regarding the importance of clear communication and the preference for a managed approach to enforcement.

There were no urgent business items or deputations, petitions, or questions raised at the meeting.