Decision details

Adoption of new Allocation Policy

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Leytham)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Health & Housing) which sought approval to adopt a new Housing Allocation Policy.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

Option 1 as described above is the officer preferred option. The disadvantages associated with option 1 and the advantages for option 2 are minimal.  By adopting the new Housing Allocation Policy the Council can ensure that social housing in the district is allocated in accordance with the latest guidance from the Department for Communities and Local Government.  There are currently 797 applicants who are currently placed in Band E. Of these applicants 28% have no local connection to the Lancaster district, 35% are owner-occupiers without a high medical and/or support need, 36% are social housing tenants who are adequately housed (who can look for a move via our mutual exchange scheme) and 1% have sufficient financial resources to be able to rent or buy a home in the private sector. The majority of our low demand properties are sheltered housing flats and owner-occupiers and applicants with no local connection and/or sufficient financial resources will still be able to join the housing register and bid on these properties. Of the 797 applicants currently in Band E, 43% of them would be eligible to bid for sheltered housing flats.

Councillor Leytham proposed, seconded by Councillor Hanson:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)          That the new Housing Allocation Policy to reflect local priorities and meet statutory guidance, attached to the report, be approved.

(2)          That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer (Resources) to update the Housing Revenue Account budgets.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Health & Housing)

Chief Officer (Resources)

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision fits with the ensuring Council ethos, particularly with regard to social justice and stewardship and supports the ‘improving access to housing’ as part of the health and wellbeing priority.