Decision details

The Council uses a computer system for Choice Based Lettings (CBL). The CBL system has the facility for Registered Providers of Social Housing (RPs) to directly advertise and allocate their own properties, including those reserved for nomination under the Council’s Allocations Policy.

The effect of granting RPs access to advertise and allocate their properties is that they carry out allocations on behalf on the Council. A number of RPs have been authorised to do this as a result of decisions by the Executive Director, Communities. A further Registered Provider, Home Group Ltd, now wishes to have access to the Council’s Choice Based Lettings system and therefore also requires authorisation to carry out allocations on behalf of the Council. This report seeks that authorisation.

The reason for the recommendation is that authorisation is needed to allow Home Group Ltd access to the CBL system. Access was initially offered to all RPs in 2014, and has been taken up by most of the larger RPs in the city, and it would be inconsistent with that offer not to allow Home Group access to the system now.

The alternative option is to remain in the current position, and not permit Home Group Ltd access to the CBL system. This option has been rejected as it would not be consistent with the offer made to all HAs to have access to the system and would be less efficient.