Agenda item

Alison Timmins, Housing Solutions Manager:

a)    provided statistical data relating to allocation of Council accommodation during 2022/23 for member’s information

b)    emphasised there was a shortage of one bed flats for single people and homes with more than two bedrooms to accommodate larger families

c)    advised that during 2022/23 the Council allocated 570 properties, with further analysis of allocations by property type also provided

d)    reported that the Council had set a quota of 25% of all lettings for transfer of applicants into more suitable accommodation that met their changing needs, which had finished the year only slightly below target, ensuring we balanced local needs and Government priorities.

Members discussed the content of the report in further detail.

The following comments/questions from members were responded to as follows:

Question: Who made the allocations?

Response: There was an Allocations Team with a Team Leader to exercise this function. Homeless legislation prioritised any household homeless or threatened with homelessness. After this, people on the housing register were allocated properties according to those most in need and having been the longest on the waiting list.

Comment: The Council also had a duty to tenants having to tolerate Anti-Social Behaviour in their neighbourhoods.

Response: The Tenancy Team was responsible for taking appropriate action in relation to ASB in Council properties. Tenants that were evicted were not able to re-join the housing register. It was acknowledged that the eviction process could be lengthy.

Question: Were housing officers made aware of tenants moving into their housing patch to enable them to manage any issues that may arise effectively?

Response: Yes this information was passed on. Tenants were made aware/signed up to their tenancy obligations.

Question: Were existing neighbours taken into consideration when new tenants were allocated a property?

Response: The existing make-up of the neighbourhood was considered, however, the Council had a duty to rehouse clients and all accommodation was next door to one neighbour.

Question: Were tenancies monitored?

Response: Housing officers were active out and about in the community. They were able to take action in respect of any disrespect of tenancy laws if necessary, however, tenants could not be forced to engage if they did not wish to do so. We had a duty of care to our tenants and tried our best to ensure tenancies were allocated appropriately.

Question: Was the current 58% allocation of properties to homeless people likely to reduce?

Response: No this was unlikely.

Comment: It was important for all tenants to enjoy quality of life. Help was available for those that needed support. Existing tenants were valued too.

Response: Not all tenants had significant need. There were also low need families housed in our accommodation. There was a range of support available through introductory tenancies, the Tenancy Sustainment Team and local housing officers. The Council had no other option than to discharge its legal responsibilities to the 58% homeless families.

RESOLVED that the content of the report be noted.