Issue - meetings

Report of Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services, Councillor Flo Clucas

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    this Authority is authorised to consult on the proposed changes to the Homeseeker Plus Allocations Policy; and

2.    authority is delegated to the Head of Strategic Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services, to approve the new policy after the consultation period has ended, provided that there are no further material changes other than those that have already been identified within this report.

In the absence of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services, the Leader introduced the item, which proposes a number of key changes as set out in the report.   She said these have been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, and will be put out to public consultation to ensure that all tenants and residents have a say in shaping the policy.

Members made the following comments:

-       the Homeseeker approach is always supported and it is great how we work collaboratively on these issues within the confines of legislation and managing demand;

-       it is frustrating that government was able to solve problems around housing and homelessness during the pandemic, and hard to believe that it couldn’t be done again if government wanted;

-       the process around housing allocations works well, though people can sometimes feel a sense of injustice.  This review provides the opportunity for them to communicate their expectations and be involved in the consultation.

The Leader agreed that these comments show how right the council is to aspire to build more houses.  She commented that there has been some criticism around the definition of affordable housing, especially for people with savings but no income.  It is good to have policy and proper guidelines around this, in line with national guidance and best practice.

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    this Authority is authorised to consult on the proposed changes to the Homeseeker Plus Allocations Policy; and

2.    authority is delegated to the Head of Strategic Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services, to approve the new policy after the consultation period has ended, provided that there are no further material changes other than those that have already been identified within this report.