Issue - meetings

This report seeks Members’ approval of the lettings projections for social housing for 2012/13. It also provides an analysis of housing supply and demand issues, including performance in 2011/12 and challenges for 2012/13 onwards. 

(i)         that approval be given to the lettings projections for 2012/13, as detailed in paragraph 3.3 of the report from the Director of Regeneration and Major Projects and in Appendix D;

(ii)        that note the analysis of housing supply and demand issues, including performance in 2011/12 and challenges for 2012/13 onwards be noted;

(iii)       that it be noted that changes may be made to the Allocations Scheme following consultation on the Council’s Tenancy Strategy. Any proposed changes would be subject to consultation and would be presented to the Executive for consideration and approval

The report from the Director of Regeneration and Major Projects sought approval of the lettings projections for social housing for 2012/13 and also provided an analysis of housing supply and demand issues, including performance in 2011/12 and challenges for 2012/13 onwards. Councillor Long (Lead Member, Housing) referred to the increasing demand for temporary accommodation. Bed and breakfast out of borough placements were also likely to increase due to loss of subsidy. Councillor Long drew attention to the many challenges the council was facing following changes in Local Housing Allowance which would affect ability to pay rents leading to increased evictions and more people being housed outside the borough. The benefits cap would also cause difficulties for larger families. Residents would have to face significant changes and the council needed to manage expectations.

Councillor John (Chair, Leader of the Council) expressed regret that the general public were in the main unaware of the additional pressures being experienced by many impoverished people. The Executive discussed the impact on children who had been forced to relocate and noted that many were travelling long distances to school given the shortage of school places in their new areas. The situation was being monitored and head teachers were concerned.

RESOLVED:-

(i)         that approval be given to the lettings projections for 2012/13, as detailed in paragraph 3.3 of the report from the Director of Regeneration and Major Projects and in Appendix D;

(ii)        that note the analysis of housing supply and demand issues, including performance in 2011/12 and challenges for 2012/13 onwards be noted;

(iii)       that it be noted that changes may be made to the Allocations Scheme following consultation on the Council’s Tenancy Strategy. Any proposed changes would be subject to consultation and would be presented to the Executive for consideration and approval.