Decision details

Upon the invitation of the Chair, the Housing Options Manager presented the report which sought approval for the adoption and implementation of the Council’s revised Housing Allocations Policy (HAP) 2022. She explained that every local housing authority must publish a Housing Allocations Policy to explain how it prioritised applicants and its procedures for allocating housing. All allocations must be made in strict accordance with the published scheme (Housing Act 1996, section 166A(1) and (14)). The current Housing Allocations Policy had not been fully reviewed since 2012.

Members then took part in a full debate on the item where a number of points were raised including:

·       the addendum regarding residents with pets, and the role pets played especially for more vulnerable or isolated residents

·       re-registration and the changes in the policy meaning that the numbers on the register could increase

·       the Council having a surplus of sheltered housing and what was being done to address this

·       the help that was available to residents in the application and bidding processes and how those in need of additional assistance were identified

·       the need for safe face-to-face appointments for the most vulnerable residents

·       the help available from charities and outside agencies, such as Stonepillow, and the role of the team being in part to advise residents of these services

The Housing Options Manager and Group Head of Residential Services provided Members with responses to all points raised during the debate. It was confirmed that this policy sought a flexible approach to balance the risks for anti-social behaviour whilst reflecting the importance of pets for some residents, that the policy aimed to open up particular types of accommodation (sheltered etc.) to people without a local connection in order to address over-supply and that advertisements were being placed to generate more interest, and that a team of assistant housing options officers were available to support people through the application and bidding processes and that it was hoped in-person appointments would continue to be available for those most in need of them.

The recommendations were then proposed and seconded.

The Committee

          RESOLVED that

1.    The revised Housing Allocations Policy 2022 be approved

2.    Delegated authority be given to the Group Head of Residential Services to make minor changes to the policy and any amendments necessary to reflect legislative changes