Agenda item

The Executive considered a report containing recommendations for changes to the Housing Allocation Policy and Tenancy Strategy to ensure that they were fit for purpose in meeting housing need in the Borough.

The Regulatory Portfolio Holder emphasised that minor amendments were being proposed to ensure that any points learned in the previous year were incorporated to improve operations. There was no change proposed to the Tenancy Strategy.

The Executive noted concerns that measures taken to target any abuse of processes did not have a knock-on effect on other tenants/residents. It was noted that there was an ability within the policy to exercise discretion and the impact of the changes would be kept constantly under review, with any issues being brought back to the Executive. It was also emphasised that the proposed changes would have no impact on the Council’s commitments under the Community Covenant.

Resolved, that

(i)           the changes proposed to the Housing Allocation Policy be adopted with effect from 1^st September 2016; and

(ii)          no changes be made to the Tenancy Strategy and it be subject to continued review on an annual basis in line with best practice.