Agenda item

Report from the Strategic Director for Adult Care, Housing and Public Health.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approves the proposal to commence a full review of the Council’s Housing Allocation Policy.

2.    Notes the proposed approach to undertaking the review.

3.    Notes that a new Policy will be presented to Cabinet for their approval and recommendation to Council.

Consideration was given to the submitted report which sought approval to commence a full review of the Council’s Housing Allocation Policy with a view to the Council adopting a brand-new Policy during 2025 which reflected changed circumstances. The overarching aim of the review was to ensure the Council’s Policy responded to demand and helped those in greatest housing need.

The consultation and engagement to establish the views and needs of people, including engagement with a range of stakeholders would be conducted throughout 2024 and early 2025.

Views from the consultation would be fed into the new Policy with an updated further report submitted in Summer 2025 detailing the findings of the consultation and a proposed refreshed policy.

Cabinet Members noted the scale and profile of housing need in Rotherham had changed significantly since 2014, whilst the Council was continuing its commitment to housing growth, the number of available social housing lettings had reduced overall across the sector. From,1980, when the Right to Buy was introduced, the Council had sold approximately 17,700 homes whilst the waiting list for Council tenants had continue to rise. 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposal to commence a full review of the Council’s Housing Allocation Policy be approved.

(2)  That the proposed approach to undertaking the review be noted.

(3)  That the new Policy be presented to Cabinet in due course for consideration and subsequent recommendation to Council for approval.