Decision details

7.1

The Service Manager for Supported Housing introduced the report which sought approval from the Housing Policy Committee to amend the Private Rented Solutions Policy to reduce/prevent homelessness in Sheffield and sets out proposals for how the policy will be used.

7.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy Committee:-

1.     Adopt the updated Private Rented Solutions Policy to the Appendix 2 to this report, to allow greater flexibility in use of private rented sector property for homelessness prevention and other purposes.

2.     Authorise the Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services to amend the Policy where one or more of the reasons prescribed at paragraph 8 of the PRS Policy at Appendix 2 to this report arise subject to the removal of paragraph 8.4 of the Policy.

7.3

Reasons for Decision

7.3.1

The proposed new PRS policy (Appendix 2) alleviates challenges with the current PRS policy (Appendix 1) as outlined in 1.10 and 1.11.

7.3.2

This will result in more effective use of PRS accommodation in meeting customers’ housing needs, particularly around homelessness prevention.

7.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

7.4.1

The current PRS Policy (Appendix 1) could be maintained. However as noted in 1.10 there are a range of issues with the current policy.

7.4.2

The proposed officer delegation in the proposed new policy (Appendix 2) could be altered or removed. However, this would mean that any future changes to the policy, even minor, would require a full decision by Housing Policy Committee. We do not believe this would represent best use of the Council’s time.