Agenda item

This report sets out proposed updates to the Council’s Housing Allocations Policy to ensure legal compliance, enhance transparency and consistency, and support effective use of social housing stock.

The Head of Housing presented the report and presentation contained within the agenda supplement, and issued a change to the recommendations set out, in that the People Scrutiny Committee would “support the proposed policy changes as set out…” and “…support the delegation of authority to the Assistant Direct of Housing…”.

The report proposed updates to City of York Council’s (CYC) Housing Allocations Policy to ensure legal compliance, enhance transparency and consistency, and support effective use of social housing stock; the Head of Housing outlined the allocations policy objectives and highlighted the requirements to be open, fair, and transparent in order to fit trading standards.

Choice based letting system for Banding, outlined bands.

He then Move on Panel and panels can help support, multi-agency support.

The Head of Housing then highlighted the role of the proposed multi-agency panel approach for complex cases alongside streamlined pathways for resolving mental health related housing needs.

It was noted that although neighbour disputes would not be resolved through the allocation policy, actions would be taken in exceptional circumstances.

In response to questions from members, the Head of Housing, and Housing Strategy Manager confirmed that:

·      A live data stream on the CYC’s website showing current use of existing housing stock could be investigated.

·      Although succession rights are written in law, provisions had been included within the new policy for discretionary successions; housing teams took a priority of homelessness prevention when working through cases.

·      New ways of working with technology was always being investigated and where services could be improved efficiently through this, it would be considered.

·      The plan to restrict multiple adult households to flats/maisonettes would only be for adults with no children.

·      Although council owned property is used, CYC could also consider other housing available within the city.

·      Updates had been made to improve the matching process to support people in getting a suitable home.

·      A person-centred approach is taken to support people in adapting homes for accessibility purposes and for complex needs.

·      It was anticipated that the amount of Right to Buy purchases seen for CYC’s housing stock would fall due to changes in legislation.

·      The housing register was a live document and was always seeing more people in need of support, it was unknown what effect upcoming legislation would have on this.

·      The auto bid tool could sometimes be useful but at other times not; the auto bid tool was often used by people who needed the support of any available housing in the area which matched their criteria.

The Chair urged absent members to send any further questions to the report authors for information or clarity purposes.

Resolved: That the People Scrutiny Committee supported:

i.               The proposed policy changes as set out,

ii.             The delegation of authority to the Assistant Direct of Housing to then approve:

a.    Amendments to the Allocations Policy appendices;

b.    Amendments to the Allocations Policy substantive text to achieve legal/regulatory compliance with national government requirements where these are introduced or amended;

c.    Amendments to the Allocations Policy substantive text to implement minor drafting updates and clarifications.

Reason: To achieve legal compliance and build on existing service successes to respond to evidenced applicant needs and make the best use of social housing stock.