Decision details

Purpose of report:

1.    To inform the Cabinet Member of the framework under which the Affordable Homes Programme 2011-15 has been agreed by the Homes and Communities Agency and to outline the programme for York.

2. To outline the challenges and opportunities the Affordable Homes Framework brings for affordable housing delivery in York.

3. To advise the Cabinet Member of the impact of the Affordable Rent model to homes managed by housings associations in the city.

4. To seek a steer from the Cabinet Member on potential changes to the council's affordable housing policy on private development arising from the new Affordable Rent model.

The Cabinet Member is asked  to note the contents of the report under 1, 2, 3 and to make a decision under 4.

This report has been slipped to the January meeting to allow further time to consider the report and recommendations.

RESOLVED: 

(i)           That the introduction of the national Affordable Homes funding framework be noted.

(ii)          That the impact of the Affordable Rent model on existing and new housing association homes in the city be noted.

(iii)        That the investment in new affordable housing in York by housing associations during 2011-15 be welcomed.

(iv)        That option 4 to make changes to the affordable housing policy be noted in particular:

1.   Existing S106 and lease agreements, stipulate no change to current policy for social rented homes to remain on re-let as social rented.

2.   New S106 and lease agreements, stipulate that Affordable Rent levels are capped at no more than 60% of market rents for one bedroom homes and 55% of market rents for two, three and four bedroom homes. 

Reason:  To give a clear and consistently applied policy steer so that housing associations, developers, the Homes and Communities Agency, council officers and other interested parties have clarity on the council’s policies regarding the  Affordable Rent  model and it’s application in York especially on S106 developments and on schemes developed on council owned land.