Issue - meetings

To provide an update on the performance and effectiveness of the Housing Allocations Policy following its last formal review (report of the Assistant Director – Housing enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Housing which provided an update on the performance and effectiveness of the Housing Allocations Policy following its last formal review.

The Portfolio Holder – Strategic and Operational Housing presented the report.

The report followed up on major changes to the Housing Allocations Policy approved in October 2023 and implemented on March 1, 2024. The policy was deemed operationally effective with no further changes proposed. Key updates included:

·       The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities was now the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

·       The income threshold was reduced from £62,000 to £60,000 due to a slight drop in house prices.

·       Guidance for awarding moderate medical, welfare, or hardship priority

The 2024 policy resulted in increased applications from 628 to 840 and addressed the imbalance between bands 3 and 4.  The Housing Assessment Panel remained effective for reviewing housing register appeals, and properties continued to be let fairly, matching households needing disabled adaptations to suitable properties.

Policy Development Panel discussed several key points, including the assessment of transferees with extenuating circumstances, banding of armed forces personnel, reassessing need and supported the department conducting an underoccupancy review.

Panel requested that Cabinet note the importance of bringing the Tenant Engagement and Influence Strategy to life through direct links with policy work and continued to support delegating minor operational amendments to the Assistant Director – Housing in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.

Consideration was given to the report, and no issues were raised.

DECISION:

1)    That Cabinet note the verbal update provided following the Policy Development Panel’s consideration of the performance and effectiveness of the policy changes.

2)    That Cabinet consider and where appropriate approve any recommended policy changes from the Policy Development Panel.

3)    That delegation to the Assistant Director – Housing in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing for minor operational amendments to the policy continues.

(Other options considered:

·       Do nothing – Cabinet could determine that an update on this policy is not required.  However, given the strategic importance of the policy operating successfully this is not recommended;

Reasons for decision:

·       It is good practice to regularly review the Allocations Policy, ensuring the most recent legislation is referenced, current operational practice is supported and the policy supports the Council in addressing demand from homeless households).