Issue - meetings

To receive for information recommendations from Improving Places Select Commission in respect of a scrutiny review of the Homes Allocations Policy.

A report was submitted to inform Council of the findings of the findings and recommendations from the Working Group that had been established to review the proposed amendments to the Council’s Homes Allocation Policy.  

Councillor Mallinder, who had led the Working Group thanked all the Members who had taken part in the review for their contribution.

Councillor Beck, the Cabinet Member for Housing, welcomed the review that had taken place, noting that due to the importance of the policy that any proposed changes had been thoroughly considered and reviewed.

Resolved: -

That the briefing be noted, and the following recommendations be submitted to Cabinet for consideration: -

a)    That the briefing be noted.

b)    That sustained funding for staff on the homelessness prevention and temporary accommodation teams be safeguarded.

c)    That revisions to the Policy be undertaken to ensure clarity and readability throughout the document, especially as regards application processes and shortlisting criteria.

d)    That notation about prolific offenders be included in the information provided to the Housing Assessment Panel.

e)    That quality standards regarding the proper completion of housing forms be reaffirmed to officers.

f)      That rent arrears be added to the scrutiny work programme for 2021-22.

g)    That single occupants of larger homes owned by the Council be given the opportunity to downsize. 

Mover: Councillor Mallinder                                   Seconder: Councillor Steele