Issue - meetings

The Council received a recommendation to adopt the Housing Allocations Policy which had been revised following the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.  The proposals were introduced by Councillor Harlow, Portfolio Holder for Housing Needs, Strategy and Enabling. 

RESOLVED

That (i)    the Housing Allocations Policy, as updated, be adopted, with changes taking effect from 1 January 2020; and

          (ii)   the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, be delegated authority to make minor amendments to the Policy as part of an annual review.

Reporting Person – Louise Strongitharm

Councillor Harlow, Portfolio Holder for Housing Needs, Strategy and Enabling, introduced the report which recommended to Council the adoption of the Housing Allocations Policy which had been updated following the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.  It was noted that the updated Policy had been discussed and supported by the Housing Task Group.  Discussion ensued on paragraph 2.1.4 of the report which concerned the removal of the cap for home owners for eligibility onto the Register for access to supported accommodation.  Attention was drawn to Section 29 of the Policy which set out that home owners would not be included on the Housing Register unless there were exceptional circumstances.

REcommended to Council

That  (i)    the Housing Allocations Policy, as updated, be adopted, with changes taking effect from 1 January 2020; and

          (ii)   the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, be delegated authority to make minor amendments to the Policy as part of an annual review.

Reason:   The Council has a legal duty to have an Allocations Policy, which states how priority will be awarded to applicants on the Housing Register and how the Choice Based Lettings Scheme operates.  It is good practice to review the Housing Allocations Policy from time to time to ensure it reflects local housing priorities and changes in legislation. The revised Policy reflects this and will become subject to annual review.