Issue - meetings

Housing Allocations Scheme Proposals 2024

 

 

Meeting: 02/12/2024 - Cabinet (Item 65)

65 Housing Allocations Scheme Proposals 2024 pdf icon PDF 565 KB

 

Housing Allocations Scheme proposals 2024

 

Executive Summary

NNDC is responsible for assessing and addressing housing need in the District. The Council’s Allocation Schemes sets out the rules, criteria and procedures that determine how we allocate affordable homes to households in North Norfolk.

The current Allocations Scheme has broadly been in place for over 14 years and now requires review to ensure that it is fit for purpose and that there is a consistent and fair approach for our Registered Provider (RP) partners to letting homes to meet the greatest housing needs.

Following consultation with partner RPs a draft new Allocations Scheme was produced.

Customers and other stakeholders were consulted on the draft new policy and their views are included in this report.

Implementing any major changes to our allocations policy would require significant IT changes and work for the Housing Options team. An implementation plan will need to be developed to introduce the new policy in the most cost effective and least disruptive way possible.

Options considered

 

The Allocations Scheme is a statutory policy of the Council which must be relevant and effective, not providing an up-to-date Allocations Scheme in line with current legislation is not an option

Options for implementation of any new Allocations Scheme will need to consider the impact on staff, budgets and customers to ensure effective delivery of change   

Consultation(s)

RP partners

Customers of “Your Choice Your Home”

Partner organisations / advice agencies

NNDC Councillors

Town & Parish Councils

Staff across housing / housing related teams

Recommendations

 

It is recommended that Cabinet:

  • Agree the proposed allocations scheme summarised in this report and attached as Appendix A
  • Gives delegated authority to officers, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Peoples’ Services, for the implementation of the revised allocation scheme over the next 18-months within allocated service budgets.

Reasons for recommendations

 

To ensure the Council has an effective Allocations Scheme in place – a statutory policy of the Council

Background papers

 

Report to Cabinet 15th April 2024 - Housing Allocations Policy 2024

 

Wards affected

Districtwide

Cabinet member(s)

Cllr Fredericks, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Peoples’ Services

Contact Officer

Nicky Debbage, Housing Strategy & Delivery Manager, nicky.debbage@north-norfolk.gov.uk

 

Decision:

Housing Allocations Scheme proposals 2024

 

Cabinet:

·       Agreed the proposed allocations scheme summarised in this report and attached as Appendix A

·       Gave delegated authority to officers, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Peoples’ Services, for the implementation of the revised allocation scheme over the next 18-months within allocated service budgets.

Minutes:

Cllr Fredericks introduced this item by explaining that the Council has become increasingly challenged by having an allocations policy that is not fit for purpose due to changing economic climate and housing market within the district. The demand for social housing has outstripped the availability of such homes.

 

During this process the Scheme has been out to consultation with our registered providers and tenants, with an aim of ensuring that people in the greatest housing need have the greatest opportunity to access suitable housing that best meets their needs, to prevent and relieve homelessness and reduce placement in temporary accommodation. To make effective use of the available housing stock to meet the legal requirements for the allocation of social housing. To help contribute to the development of sustainable communities. Make the housing process, accessible, transparent and fair. Provide information about the availability of homes and being more efficient, and user friendly for applicants to the Council’s housing associations and other partner organisations.

 

The Housing Strategy and Delivery Manager was present for questions.

 

Cllr Toye thanked officers for their work on this. This is a difficult and complex problem to navigate, and it is pleasing to hear that this scheme has been trialed and has already shown success, which can be built on moving forward.

 

Cllr Cushing asked if there were further details as to the cost of changing the system.

 

The Housing Strategy and Delivery Manager responded that there is a quote contained within the paper of £35-48,000 for implementation of the system, but there are a number of different approaches which can be taken. There is likely to be a combination of solutions using varying levels of IT assistance and manual ways of working. The Council need to work with the provider to determine the best way to proceed, which is why the implementation time frame has been set at 18 months as this allows for these discussions. Looking for a solution that provides the least disruption to applicants and staffing within the Housing Options team and provides best value for money while still implementing the changes required.

 

 

Cabinet:

·         Agreed the proposed allocations scheme summarised in this report and attached as Appendix A

·         Gave delegated authority to officers, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Peoples’ Services, for the implementation of the revised allocation scheme over the next 18-months within allocated service budgets.