Issue - meetings

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To agree the proposed schedule of incentive payments for households currently under-occupying their Council homes, to move to a smaller Council home, as set out in table 4 in paragraph 4.21 of the report.

(2)     To agree that all households who were under-occupying and transfer to a smaller Council property pursuant to the proposed financial incentive scheme would only pay a social rent or rent not higher than their current property.

(3)     To agree to alter the proportion of lettings to homeless households from 70% to 60%, as set out in paragraphs 4.35 – 4.46 of the report.

(4)     To agree that the Council would offer financial support to Council tenants who wished to either rent or buy in the private sector, as set out in paragraphs 4.42 and 4.43 of the report.

Councillor Southwood, Lead member for Housing & Welfare Reform, introduced the report which set out a number of key initiatives designed to increase the availability of housing stock across the borough as well as tackling overcrowding.  In considering the report, Members commended the significant progress made in addressing housing demand within the borough and reducing the number of homeless households in temporary accommodation but also noted the ongoing demand for housing and need to therefore make best use of all available Council housing stock.

Cabinet also noted the work undertaken to forecast future housing demand, as detailed within section 4 of the report.  As a result, a number of targeted options had been identified to assist the Council in making the most effective use of its affordable housing stock in an effort to address the demand identified based on the principles identified within section 4.5 of the report.  Alongside the Council’s ambitious house building programme the report set out a range of targeted additional tools and incentives designed to increase supply and maximise use of existing housing stock.  Whilst supportive of the approach outlined, members noted that these options and incentives would be voluntary in nature and a matter of individual choice.

Members also noted the link to a range of other initiatives also being pursued working with partner Registered Providers and the private housing sector to increase the supply of available housing stock as part of the wider context in which the approach was being developed.

In recognising the innovative nature of the approach outlined, members also highlighted the need to maintain pressure on Central Government to support the provision of affordable social housing as part of the overall package of measures being developed to maximise supply and provide targeted support.

Having considered the report, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To agree the proposed schedule of incentive payments for households currently under-occupying their Council homes, to move to a smaller Council home, as set out in table 4 in paragraph 4.21 of the report.

(2)     To agree that all households who were under-occupying and transfer to a smaller Council property pursuant to the proposed financial incentive scheme would only pay a social rent or rent not higher than their current property.

(3)     To agree to alter the proportion of lettings to homeless households from 70% to 60%, as set out in paragraphs 4.35 – 4.46 of the report.

(4)     To agree that the Council would offer financial support to Council tenants who wished to either rent or buy in the private sector, as set out in paragraphs 4.42 and 4.43 of the report.