This report is requesting approval of the consultation draft of the Housing Allocations Policy before the public consultation begins.

The Cabinet Member for Housing introduced the report and clarified that recommendation to approve the draft document to go out to consultation to public and housing associations was sought, and it would come back to Cabinet with any changes after the consultation.  He explained that the previous Housing Allocations Policy no longer complied with the regulations and the document had been considered by the Policy Development Review Committee.

In highlighting the key changes to the policy, the Cabinet Member for Housing indicated Band changes on the housing register which would improve the position of those residents in the highest need, introducing a tapering system to reflect affordability and need, and a reduction in residency period from 4 to 2 years to assist the most needy. He explained that a new Band E would be introduced for rural exception sites.  Other changes brought the policy in line with legislation.

To increase public participation in the consultation during the current pandemic, Councillor Nicholas Hampshire suggested inviting residents to offer their opinions and ideas at virtual workshops or similar.  In response, the Cabinet Member for Housing advised that the majority of the policy was in legislation and that little change could be implemented.  He added that some staff in partner agencies were currently furloughed and unavailable to attend workshops. The Head of Housing Economy and Communities said public virtual workshops could work in other areas.

Councillor Mike Whiting questioned whether reducing the residency period would just lengthen the list with no funding available for additional housing, and he queried the financial implications since developers built social housing for housing providers.  The Cabinet Member for Housing agreed that there was a risk the housing list would lengthen but gave examples of how it would benefit residents in the greatest need.  He advised that there were on-going conversations with housing associations to ensure that the Homes England grant funding was being utilised for affordable housing in the area, and he said that SBC were in the process of setting up a housing company to invest in the housing market.  Finally, the Cabinet Member for Housing advised that officer time might be saved in the reduction of appeals in reducing the residency period from 4 to 2 years.

Resolved:

(1)  That the draft Housing Allocations Policy document be agreed and an 8-week consultation on the draft document be carried out.