Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth which set out the rationale for a review of the Council’s social housing allocations policy (for copy see file of minutes).

In Moving the report, Councillor J Rowlandson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Resources, Investments and Assets, thanked the hard work of Officers and the registered providers who had engaged in the process. The allocations policy was last reviewed in 2017 and much had changed since that time. The rising cost of living and the significant fall in the number of houses available to let had led to people waiting longer to get rehoused, and the total number of people on the waiting list had increased by 30%. It was vital that allocations policies were reviewed to prioritise those people who required the most help. The responses to the consultation would provide an evidence base to consult on a new draft policy later in 2025.

In Seconding the report, Councillor A Shield, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Equality and Inclusion explained that the Council's allocation policy provided for the Council to give additional priority to those applicants who were severely overcrowded, those who have urgent medical needs, those fleeing domestic abuse, those with a connection to the armed forces and those classified as being non-contributing homeless.

The number of people presented as being homeless with complex needs had increased significantly and there were increasing pressures in utilising temporary accommodation, incurring significant costs due to the lack of Council owned stock. Working together and listening to residents, registered provider partners and key stakeholders would result in a fair and transparent allocations policy, which allowed people to access the right type of housing to help fulfil the needs of residents and help prevent the wider issue of homelessness.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.