Agenda item

-        Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods and Adult Services to report.

Councillor McNeely, Cabinet Member for Safe and Attractive Neighbourhoods, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods and Adult Services which set out how Choice Based Lettings (CBL) had been in operation in Rotherham since June, 2005, resulting in a number of improvements, with a couple of amendments proposed relating to the inclusion of a paragraph on the new processes column on page 11 of the report and a wording change on the third bullet point of the section on “Amendment to the administration of the Housing Register” on page 15 of the report.

It had been identified that further changes to the administration of Choice Based Lettings and the Housing Register were required in order to reduce the number of refusals of accommodation. Failure to address this would have significant impact on both void re-let times and the perception of the Choice Based Lettings service.

The report set out details of how the improvements could be made to achieve a reduction in the refusal rates, reduce unproductive work and minimise the length of time homes were left empty and further information relating to:-

·              New Tenants Views and the Findings.

·              Pre–Termination Inspection.

·              Viewing the Empty Property.

·              Issues Identified by the New Tenants.

·              Examples of Good Practice for Choice Based Letting in other Authorities and how it worked in Rotherham.

·              Actions to Improve the Process.

·              Provision of Information.

·              The Housing Register.

·              Inappropriate Re-housing.

·              Amendments the Allocation Policy.

·              Amendments to the Choice Based Letting Process.

·              Amendment to the Administration of the Housing Register.

·              Provision of Advice and Information.

The review of the housing register and provision of more information, such as the Allocation Policy Summary booklet and Refusal Leaflets required additional resources. The refusal information would be incorporated into the Allocation Policy Summary booklet as opposed to a separate leaflet. Any additional costs would be met from the saving made from ending the use of the Rotherham Advertiser. (March, 2011) There were financial implications for staffing costs if penalties were not imposed following two refusals. Private Letting agencies applied an administration fee to cover their costs.

The risks included meeting customer expectations, lack of understanding of the processes which affected the reputation of the Council associated with people waiting for a home, increasing the volume of face to face enquiries visiting the Key Choices Property Shop – currently averaging at 2000 customers each week and the number of telephone enquiries had increased to 100 per day.

Availability of affordable, quality housing was a key concern for customers and Elected Members. With high demand for housing, it was important that the process for allocation and letting was transparent otherwise it may damage the public perception of the Council and its partners.

Cabinet Members welcomed this report, but sought clarification on the categories of priority groups and whether this included the Armed Forces.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Housing Allocation Policy be approved take effect from 1^st July, 2011.

(2)  That the right not to offer a property be reserved.

(3)  That a short term suspension of application be included following two refusals in both the priority and general groups.

(4)  That the changes to the void and letting processes be approved and take effect from 1st July, 2011.