Issue - meetings

The findings of the review of the scheme and the planned enhancements to Home-Link were noted.

The amended Lettings Policy was adopted.

The Cabinet received and noted a report by the Head of Housing Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) on the findings of a review of Home-Link and the Council's lettings policy.  Having taken into account the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Service Delivery), it was

RESOLVED

  (a)  that the findings of the review of the scheme and the planned enhancements to Home-Link be noted; and

  (b)  that the amended lettings policy appended to the report now submitted be adopted.

To consider a report by the Head of Housing Services detailing the outcome of a review of the Home-Link Scheme and the Council’s Lettings Policy.

20 Minutes.

(Councillor Mrs D C Reynolds, Executive Councillor for Housing and Public Health, was in attendance for this item).

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Housing Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) detailing the outcome of a review of Home-Link, the choice based lettings scheme, and the Council’s Lettings Policy. By way of background, Members were advised of the work undertaken to review the Home-Link scheme, which comprised an examination of strategic and operational aspects of the scheme and consultation with housing association partners, statutory and voluntary agencies and customers of the scheme. Having been encouraged by the reported level of users’ satisfaction with the scheme, Members noted that a significant proportion of customers experienced difficulty in understanding the mechanics of the scheme and that some users required assistance to bid for properties. As a result, it was reported that efforts would be made to inform potential users and raise awareness generally of the support that was available to them, particularly to those on the Housing Register.

With regard to the Council’s Lettings Policy, the review had concluded that the current policy was adequate to meet local need and that only a minor amendment to the re-prioritisation of homeless persons who were sleeping rough to a Band B priority was required. Having expressed support for the amendment, the Panel

RESOLVED

  that the Cabinet be recommended to

(a)  note the findings of the review of the Home-Link scheme;

(b)  support the proposal for the amendment to the Council’s Lettings Policy for homeless rough sleepers; and

(c)  take into account the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Service Delivery) during their deliberations on this item.