Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Regeneration and Housing Delivery Manager

Executive Councillor: S Wakeford/S Ferguson

The Cabinet has

a)  noted the contents of the report; and

b)  agreed to the Tenancy Strategy 2023.

A report by the Regeneration and Housing Delivery Manager was submitted (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) following which the Tenancy Strategy was presented to the Cabinet.

The Executive Councillor for Jobs, Economy and Housing reported that the key change from the previous Strategy centred around the use of lifetime tenancies.

Following discussion the Cabinet were assured that working relationships were being developed with local housing providers to ensure open and ongoing lines of communication. It was also noted that whilst there may be aspirations to further develop the Strategy, it was important to remain realistic and mindful of budgetary constraints.

Whereupon, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

a)  that the contents of the report be noted; and

b)  that the Tenancy Strategy 2023 be approved.

The Panel is invited to comment on the Tenancy Strategy.

Executive Councillor: S Wakeford

By means of a report by the Regeneration and Housing Delivery Manager (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) the Tenancy Strategy was presented to the Panel.

Following an observation from Councillor Pickering that lifetime tenancies did not motivate tenants to become self-sufficient in terms of their own housing, the Panel heard that whilst there was no easy answer to this,  Housing Associations awarded tenancies based upon making best use of the existing housing stock.

In response to a question from Councillor Corney, the Panel heard that whilst it was difficult to anticipate how Housing Associations would deal with tenancy issues, a balance had been struck to ensure that they would meet their obligations to residents.

Councillor Gardener observed that it would have been helpful to see where changes had been made from the previous policy and queried the life expectancy of the policy. The Panel were advised that the anticipated review date of 10 years would be fluid to allow for earlier or later revision depending on external factors and best interests of residents. Following a further question from Councillor Gleadow on the anticipated review date of 10 years, the Panel were advised that this was a normal review date for this type of strategy.

The Panel heard, following a question from Councillor Gleadow, that analysis of active RPs had been undertaken to ensure that the policies being adopted were aligned. It was further assured to the Panel, that all consultees mentioned within the document were active within the district following an enquiry from Councillor Blackwell.

The Panel were assured that despite the unknown of the future, the policy would provide flexibility and security.

Whereupon, it was thereupon

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations contained within the report.