Agenda item

12.1

Members considered a report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhood Services seeking approval from the Housing Policy Committee to review the Council’s Allocations Policy. The report summarises the challenges faced by the Council with how the current policy operates and highlights key areas where change should be considered to improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable residents of Sheffield. It was recommended that Committee approve a review of the current Allocations Policy and agree the approach which should be taken.

12.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy Committee:-

1. Approves the proposal to commence a review of the Council’s Allocations Policy.

2. Approves the approach to consultation as set out in Section 2.3 of this report.

12.3

Reasons for Decision

12.3.1

The Allocations Policy has not been fully reviewed since it was agreed in 2013. Reviewing the Allocations Policy will ensure the Council is making best use of its, and Registered Providers social housing stock and reflect the current demand for social housing. It will ensure that rehousing outcomes are improved for those with a recognised housing need and owed legal duties by the Council.

12.3.2

The Allocations Policy does not reflect the implementation of Introductory Tenancies, or the likely introduction of Flexible Tenancies, it also requires review to ensure it is legally compliant.

12.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

12.4.1

Alternative Option 1: Do nothing. The Council could choose to not review the Allocations Policy. However, not reviewing the policy would mean that the policy remains no longer fit for purpose and not legally compliant.

12.4.2

Partial review; only amend the Allocations Policy so that it is lawful. Whilst this would resolve the issues of legal challenge the broader issues highlighted in this report would remain. Residents of Sheffield in a Reasonable Preference category would see the waiting time to be made an offer continue to increase, adapted properties would not be let to those with the most need for those adaptations and more households would be placed into emergency accommodation.

41.1

Members considered a report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhood Services seeking approval from the Housing Policy Committee to review the Council’s Allocations Policy. The report summarises the challenges faced by the Council with how the current policy operates and highlights key areas where change should be considered to improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable residents of Sheffield. It was recommended that Committee approve a review of the current Allocations Policy and agree the approach which should be taken.

41.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy Committee:-

1. Approves the proposal to commence a review of the Council’s Allocations Policy.

2. Approves the approach to consultation as set out in Section 2.3 of this report.

41.3

Reasons for Decision

41.3.1

The Allocations Policy has not been fully reviewed since it was agreed in 2013. Reviewing the Allocations Policy will ensure the Council is making best use of its, and Registered Providers social housing stock and reflect the current demand for social housing. It will ensure that rehousing outcomes are improved for those with a recognised housing need and owed legal duties by the Council.

41.3.2

The Allocations Policy does not reflect the implementation of Introductory Tenancies, or the likely introduction of Flexible Tenancies, it also requires review to ensure it is legally compliant.

41.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

41.4.1

Alternative Option 1: Do nothing. The Council could choose to not review the Allocations Policy. However, not reviewing the policy would mean that the policy remains no longer fit for purpose and not legally compliant.

41.4.2

Partial review; only amend the Allocations Policy so that it is lawful. Whilst this would resolve the issues of legal challenge the broader issues highlighted in this report would remain. Residents of Sheffield in a Reasonable Preference category would see the waiting time to be made an offer continue to increase, adapted properties would not be let to those with the most need for those adaptations and more households would be placed into emergency accommodation.