Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Housing Needs and Resources Manager on the outcome of the Lettings Policy Review.

Executive Councillor: R Fuller

The Cabinet has approved the amended Lettings Policy attached as Appendix 1 of the report submitted.

A report by the Housing Needs and Resources Manager was submitted (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) outlining changes to the Lettings Policy in light of new legislation and recent caselaw relating to allocation schemes for social rented housing.

By way of background, the Cabinet were informed by the Housing Needs and Resources Manager that the Policy dictated how the housing register and the letting of properties operated and that all six partner local authorities within the Home-Link scheme operated their own policy which followed the same broad principles.

Having been acquainted with the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Customers and Partnerships) and in welcoming their support for the changes to the Policy, it was

RESOLVED  

that the Cabinet approve the amended Lettings Policy, attached as Appendix 1 of the report now submitted.

The Panel are to receive the Lettings Policy Review.

By means of a report by the Housing Needs and Resources Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Lettings Policy Review was presented to the Panel. During the introduction it was explained to Members that there are two specific amendments to the Lettings Policy, these are relating to ex-partners/spouses of military personnel and local connection through employment. In addition to this Members were informed that there are several wording changes in for clarification purposes. 

Comments were made by Councillors Smith and Wilson that the Policy reads well and is clear to follow.

Following a question, from Councillor Diaz, in relation to whether applicants who require additional support could receive that support during the renewal process, Members were informed that applicants could receive assistance from a support worker or a family member so long as they have indicated that they require support at the point of original application.

In response to a question, from Councillor Alban, on whether the wording could be clearer in relation to an applicant’s connection with the area via Ministry of Defence, it was clarified that where it states ‘death was attributable to that service’, this means death in service.

The Panel

RESOLVED

that the Cabinet be recommended to approve the amended Lettings Policy.