Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval for proposed changes to the tenancy agreement for all existing and future council housing tenants, in particular  significant changes to succession rights.

Resolved: That Option 2, to agree the proposed changes including succession rights to bring the tenancy agreement in line with current legislation and to consult with Sheltered Housing Tenants on the changes specific to their housing schemes be approved.

Reason:    This will bring the tenancy agreement in line with the Localism Act and other changes identified and agreed through consultation. This will reduce the risk of expensive legal challenge and maximise the use of the authority’s housing stock.

The Cabinet Member considered a report which sought approval for proposed changes to the tenancy agreement for all existing and future council housing tenants, in particular significant changes to succession rights.

Officers introduced the report and the reasons for the changes, in particular the removal of the automatic ‘second’ succession right to inherit a tenancy.

The Cabinet Member stated that she was pleased to see that consultation had been carried out with the York Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations over the proposed changes.

She gave consideration to the following options:

Option 1- To retain the existing tenancy agreement.

Option 2- To agree the proposed changes, including succession rights to bring the tenancy agreement in line with current legislation and to consult with sheltered scheme tenants regarding the proposed amendments to agreements for Sheltered Schemes.

Option 3- To reduce the existing succession rights but not to the level set out in the Localism Act and who these can apply to along with other changes and to consult with sheltered scheme tenants regarding the proposed amendments to agreements for Sheltered Schemes.

Resolved: That Option 2, (to agree the proposed changes including succession rights to bring the tenancy agreement in line with current legislation and to consult with Sheltered Housing Tenants on the changes specific to their housing schemes) be approved.

Reason:    This will bring the tenancy agreement in line with the Localism Act and other changes identified and agreed through consultation. This will reduce the risk of expensive legal challenge and maximise the use of the authority’s housing stock.