Agenda item

A recent service review has highlighted the need for three significant changes to the current system and this report makes recommendations for changes to service delivery. The changes include the withdrawal from the sub regional partnership North Yorkshire Home Choice (NYHC), the  reversion to allocating properties rather than using the Choice Based Lettings (CBL) system. Finally the amendment to the allocations and lettings policy which would be the subject of a further report.

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Resolved:

i)    That the contents of the report be noted.

ii)   That officers be given delegated authority to negotiate changes within the North Yorkshire Home Choice (NYHC) partnership and that the final proposals, including any decision to withdraw from NYHC, be reported and considered at a future Executive Leader (incorporating Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods) Decision Session.

iii)   That the Housing Allocations Policy be considered at a future Executive Leader (incorporating Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods) Decision Session.

Reason: To offer a more efficient, targeted service to those in  housing need.

The Executive Leader considered a report that made recommendations for changes to service delivery and updated him on the recent service review that had highlighted the need for three significant changes to the current system:

·        the potential withdrawal from the sub regional partnership North Yorkshire Home Choice (NYHC),

·        the reversion to allocating properties rather than using the Choice Based Lettings (CBL) system and

·        the amendment to the allocations and lettings policy.

Officers provided a verbal update to the report and confirmed the review had identified a large amount of waste within the service, including staff time and improved ways to work that would benefit the customer including the option to move away from an online housing application service.

The Executive Leader noted that the option to still obtain information online, with regards to available housing options, would still be accessible but that individual conversations with customers, when making an application for social housing, was a more successful way of working to ensure the supply and demand limitations were fully understood.  Feedback from customers showed they welcomed this approach and were appreciative of the honesty of officers when discussing their options.

Officers went on to explain that the next phase of the review process included negotiations with North Yorkshire Home Choice partnership on a number of issues including:

·        Changes to the IT system.

·        Ending online applications.

·        Moving away from a Choice Based Letting Scheme and adopting an officer allocation system based on customer preference.

Officers also confirmed they were considering changes to the Allocations Policy which would receive full consultation and final approval by the Executive Leader at his Decision Session. In answer to the Executive Leaders questions it was confirmed that parts of the Allocations Policy had to be updated due to legislation changes and officers hoped the policy would also reflect each Local Authorities individual housing needs with York’s biggest demand being 2 bedroom properties.

The Executive Leader highlighted a written submission opposing to the removal of the bronze priority band and he questioned officers on this. They confirmed that 29% of applications were bronze band, with only 1% resulting in an offer of a property.  Officers would continue to advise customers and the removal of the bronze band would open more opportunities for those individuals or families to access alternative accommodation.

The Executive Leader thanked officers for their report and agreed they could negotiate changes with the NYHC partnership provided that the final proposals were presented at a future Executive Leader (incorporating Housing & Safer Neighbourhood) Decision Session.

Resolved:

i)    That the contents of the report be noted.

ii)   That officers be given delegated authority to negotiate changes within the North Yorkshire Home Choice (NYHC) partnership and that the final proposals, including any decision to withdraw from NYHC, be reported and considered at a future Executive Leader (incorporating Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods) Decision Session.

iii)   That the Housing Allocations Policy be considered at a future Executive Leader (incorporating Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods) Decision Session.

Reason: To offer a more efficient, targeted service to those in housing need.