Agenda item

11.1

The Executive Director, Communities, submitted a report on the outcome of the general review of the Lettings Policy to ensure Council housing is allocated in the most efficient way to meet local housing needs.  The Safer and Stronger Communities Scrutiny Committee had provided oversight to the work of the Allocations Policy Review Team and extensive public consultation had taken place, including with key stakeholders.  The new draft Allocations Policy was attached to the report as Appendix A for consideration by Cabinet.

11.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves the Allocations Policy as set out in Appendix A of the report now submitted;

(b)

grants delegated authority to the Executive Director, Communities, to draw up a scheme of authorisation for Allocations Policy decision making prior to implementation;

(c)

authorises the Executive Director, Communities, to fully implement the new policy at the point when the necessary updating of the Choice Based Lettings Information technology system is completed, with full implementation expected to be 1st April 2014; and

(d)

agrees that a review of the impact of the new policy commence six months after full implementation.

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

On March 2010, Cabinet resolved to conduct a general review of the Lettings Policy to ensure that council housing is being allocated in the most efficient way to meet local housing needs.

11.3.2

The policy needs to respond to changes in legislation including the Localism Act and the new statutory Code Of Guidance.

11.3.3

Since 2002 the housing market in Sheffield has radically changed.  The amount of council housing has reduced considerably due to demolition programmes, stock transfer and Right To Buy, whilst demand for social housing has dramatically increased.  The policy needs to address this changed environment.

11.3.4

The final content of the proposed new policy has been informed by comprehensive consultation.

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

The alternative to adopting a new policy would be to retain the current policy.  This is not recommended as explained in paragraphs 8.1 to 8.11of the report. The current policy no longer meets current needs and legislative requirements.

11.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

11.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

11.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Richard Webb, Executive Director, Communities.

11.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Safer and Stronger Communities.

11.1

The Executive Director, Communities, submitted a report on the outcome of the general review of the Lettings Policy to ensure Council housing is allocated in the most efficient way to meet local housing needs.  The Safer and Stronger Communities Scrutiny Committee had provided oversight to the work of the Allocations Policy Review Team and extensive public consultation had taken place, including with key stakeholders.  The new draft Allocations Policy was attached to the report as Appendix A for consideration by Cabinet.

11.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves the Allocations Policy as set out in Appendix A of the report now submitted;

(b)

grants delegated authority to the Executive Director, Communities, to draw up a scheme of authorisation for Allocations Policy decision making prior to implementation;

(c)

authorises the Executive Director, Communities, to fully implement the new policy at the point when the necessary updating of the Choice Based Lettings Information technology system is completed, with full implementation expected to be 1st April 2014; and

(d)

agrees that a review of the impact of the new policy commence six months after full implementation.

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

On March 2010, Cabinet resolved to conduct a general review of the Lettings Policy to ensure that council housing is being allocated in the most efficient way to meet local housing needs.

11.3.2

The policy needs to respond to changes in legislation including the Localism Act and the new statutory Code Of Guidance.

11.3.3

Since 2002 the housing market in Sheffield has radically changed.  The amount of council housing has reduced considerably due to demolition programmes, stock transfer and Right To Buy, whilst demand for social housing has dramatically increased.  The policy needs to address this changed environment.

11.3.4

The final content of the proposed new policy has been informed by comprehensive consultation.

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

The alternative to adopting a new policy would be to retain the current policy.  This is not recommended as explained in paragraphs 8.1 to 8.11of the report. The current policy no longer meets current needs and legislative requirements.

11.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

11.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

11.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Richard Webb, Executive Director, Communities.

11.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Safer and Stronger Communities.