Issue - meetings

- report of Community Services Manager

In accordance with Minute No. 185 of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Environmental Services meeting held on 14^th March, 2005, the Panel considered a report of the Community Services Manager on the “Key Choices” Choice-Based Letting Service.  A power point presentation was given as follows:-

 

§                     The Background – White Paper on the Future of Housing, Government Pilot and findings.  The Government required all authorities to be operating such a scheme by 2010.

 

§                     ALMO Excellence Plan – the scheme had been identified as a pre-requisite in defining excellence in housing management by ALMOs by the Audit Commission

 

§                     Strategic Links – Regional Humberside Strategy for Yorkshire and Humberside (2003), Rotherham’s Community Strategy, the Corporate Plan, the Housing Strategy and the Shadow Supporting People Strategy

 

§                     What is “Key Choices”?

            Rotherham’s new approach to lettings

            Simpler, faster more transparent method

            More choice for the customer

            Puts the customer in control

            Better place to live, learn and work

 

§                     Consultation Process and feedback, both customer and staff

 

§                     Fair and Equal Access

 

§                     Implementation Plan

 

§                     Training Plan

 

§                     Key Choices Letting Policy

            Amends the Allocation Scheme

            Simpler way of accessing accommodation

            50/50 approach       Priority = Need

                                                General = Waiting time

            Scope for specialist properties not to be advertised – adapted, 4 bed,

            Sheltered, Extra Care Housing

            Priority Band               Homelessness (time limited)

                                                Medical Need – Adapted

                                                Homes subject to repair

                                                Statutory overcrowded

                                                Awarded in exceptional circumstances

 

            General Band              Waiting time

 

§                     Key Choices Procedures

            Void Process – Termination

            Advertising

            Marketing and receiving requests

            Support for Vulnerable People

            Selection Process

            Verification Process

            Offer – refusal/acceptance

            Sign Up

            Waiting time guide and letting results

 

§                     Choice Based Lettings Process Week One

            4 weeks termination notice received

            Exit interview conducted the same day

            Appointment made for pre-inspection

            Pre-inspection sheet completed

            Digital photograph taken of property

            Neighbourhood Champion completes property advert section

            Include local lettings criteria, amenities, furnished, decent home etc.

            E-mail photograph and advert to keychoices@rotherham.gov.uk

            Deadline for information Friday 4.00 p.m.

 

§                     Choice Based Lettings Week Two/Three

            Week Two –

            Advertisement produced

            Mailing list produced

 

            Week Three -

            Tuesday mailing lists posted

            Tuesday 4.00 p.m. – previous week’s adverts removed

            Wednesday 10.30 a.m. – new adverts displayed

            Property requests commence for 7 days

 

§                     Choice Based Lettings Week Three/Four

            Week Three –

            Wednesday 10.30 a.m. – 7 day advertising cycle starts

 

            Week Four –

            Tuesday 4.00 p.m. – property advertising cycle closes

            Shortlist compiled and sent to relevant office

            Application details verified, rent and recharges checked etc.

            If eligible make offer and arrange viewing

 

§                     Choice Based Lettings Process Week Four

            Property accepted – sign up to be arranged

            Keys should be received from the previous tenant on the following Monday

            Keys to void repair – Health and Safety checks

            Property refused or withdrawn, offer to next eligible applicant on shortlist

            If no requests received, re-advertise as Direct Home on a 1^st come 1^st        served basis

            Send letter details to Housing Options Team to compile  ...  view the full minutes text for item 135