Decision details

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Housing & Property which sought approval for the reviewed Housing Allocation Policy, which sets out the Council’s approach to the allocations and lettings of Council accommodation and that of partner Registered Providers with whom nomination agreements exist.

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

The Officer Preferred Option is Option 1. The proposed allocation policy has been developed to reflect current requirements and guidance and has been the subject of legal review to ensure legislative compliance.

Councillor Caroline Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Hamilton-Cox:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

That the revised Housing Allocation Policy as appended to the report adopted.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Housing & Property

Reasons for making the decision:

The Housing Allocation Policy is a statutory policy which sets out the Council’s approach to the allocation and lettings of council homes. It is aligned with the wider district Tenancy Strategy produced and published by the Council.

The allocation of council dwellings is carried out in an environment which creates a number of challenges, chiefly an under-supply of quality, affordable housing within the district.  Lancaster City Council’s Housing Allocation Policy must support delivery of an allocations service which is fair and transparent, and responsive to the housing needs of applicants, whilst making best use of limited housing stock. The proposed policy is designed to balance these competing factors.