Issue - meetings

The report sets out a proposal to leave the North Yorkshire Home Choice partnership and agree a CYC Housing Allocations Policy. This is in order to better suit the needs of York and integrate a new Housing IT system.

Resolved:  To agree option 1 and leave the North Yorkshire Home Choice Partnership, adopt the proposed City of York Council allocations policy and agree to retain a Choice Based Letting (CBL) system. The new policy will not be implemented until the introduction of the new Housing IT system however agreement is required in advance to inform the tender and design of the new system

Reason:     The sub regional NYHC partnership and allocation policy no longer meets the needs of York which are at variance to the sub regional partners. The NYHC system is an administrative burden and York wishes to integrate the4 Choice Based Lettings system with the new Housing IT system

The Executive Member considered a report suggesting that York leave the North Yorkshire Home Choice (NYHC) partnership and agree to a City of York Council Housing Allocations Policy.

Officers highlighted that the North Yorkshire Home Choice system was an administrative burden and that York having its own allocations policy allowed for a more local specific policy that met the wider needs of York residents.

Officers stated that a negative to leaving the NYHC partnership was that ‘migration’ would be more difficult. However, officers stated that that there was provision for cross-migration and that ‘mutual exchange’ could also assist with requests of this nature.

In response to a written representation from the British Legion, officers stated that:

-      They were mindful of the forces covenant when devising policies.

-      ‘Reservists’ are included within the term ‘Armed Forces’ with the caveat around injury, illness and disability.

-      Any extension to cover all reservists and separated spouses would need further consideration and analysis as this would significantly increase eligibility.

-      There was an option for officer discretion in exceptions to the local connection criteria and that cases would be looked at on an individual basis.

-      There was a commitment to ongoing staff training, to ensure that staff were able to carry out the policy as intended.

In response to a question from the Executive Member relating to the consultation, officers stated that the policy captured the best elements of the NYHC, including choice based lettings, and it eliminated waste on the housing register. It was noted that having an individual policy for York meant that more Council resources would be freed from helping to administrate and oversee the NYHC.

In response to the second written representation from Mr Steve Galloway, officers explained that there were contingencies to balance the benefits and constraints of the ‘good tenant’ scheme and that mutual exchanges, management transfers and the direct let process gave residents the opportunity to move, especially in cases of harassment. Officers highlighted that the ‘good tenant’ scheme had a number of flaws such as having to wait 3 years for qualification and the potential abuse of the system, both of which would not be the case under the new policy.

The Executive Member accepted both written representations on this issue and thanked the residents for their time and effort in making them.

The Executive Member acknowledged the reduction of the bronze waiting list for Housing allocation. Officers explained that this was due to a more transparent approach with residents.

Resolved:  That Option 1, to leave the NYHC partnership and adopt the proposed CYC allocations policy, be approved.

Reason:     The sub-regional NYHC partnership and allocation policy no longer meets the needs of York. The NYHC is an administrative burden and York wishes to integrate the Choice Based Lettings system with a new Housing IT system.