Agenda item

Review of Housing Allocations Policy October 2020

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Jackson)

 

Report of Director for Communities and the Environment

Minutes:

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Jackson)

 

Cabinet received a report from the Director for Communities and the Environment that outlined the Council’s review of the social housing Allocations Policy and recommended changes to enable the city council to best meet housing need within a backdrop of reduced turnover of council stock and increases in homelessness.

 

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

 

Option 1: Approve the revised Housing Allocations Policy

 Advantages: Prevents complaints, legal challenges and Ombudsman Complaints. To have in place a fair and transparent policy, which enables city council to allocate properties those in greatest housing need and enable officers to make the best use of the council, is housing stock.

Disadvantages: No notable disadvantages.

Risks: The revised allocations policy has been reviewed in line with current up to date guidance to avoid risks associated with legal challenge.

 

Option 2: Retain existing Housing Allocations Policy

Advantages: No notable advantages.

Disadvantages: Not up to date with current government guidance, homeless households will remain in costly temporary accommodation for longer than necessary and increase the numbers of households in temporary accommodation at any given time due to lack of suitable move on accommodation through the housing register.

Risks: Legal challenge and or Ombudsman complaints. Increased expenditure to the B&B and temporary accommodation budgets. MHCLG - legal requirement to report any families accommodated in B&B in placement goes over 6 weeks.

 

The officer preferred option is Option 1. Option 1 to approve the revised allocation policy will ensure the policy meets our statutory duties having regard for current government guidance and legislation. By approving the revised allocation policy, officers will be able to ensure accommodation is made available to our most vulnerable and those in greatest housing need, whilst also making sure we get the best use of the council’s limited housing stock.

 

Councillor Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Brookes:-

 

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

 

Councillors then voted:-

 

Resolved unanimously:

 

(1)    That the changes be approved, and the revised Housing Allocations Policy 2020       be adopted.

 

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

 

Director for Communities and the Environment

 

Reasons for making the decision:

 

The City Council’s existing allocations policy has not been reviewed since March 2018. The Council is required to update the allocations policy to ensure it meets statutory guidance, to ensure the policy still reflects local priorities and is “fit for purpose”. The policy has been reviewed in light of recent case law, changes to priority for armed forces and their families, people affected by domestic abuse in refuge accommodation and the implications for homeless households placed in temporary accommodation since the implementation of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017.

 

The decision is consistent with the Council’s approved priorities, which includes a sustainable District, Happy, and Healthy Communities. The decision also fits with the Local plan and will contribute to increasing the supply of housing in Lancaster district and directly contribute to the Homes Strategy 2020-2025.

 

 

Supporting documents: