Decision details

       i.         the outcome of the consultation on proposed changes to the Council’s Housing Allocation Policy is considered.

     ii.         the proposed changes set out in this report and the new Housing Allocations Policy appended to this report is approved.

    iii.         authority be Delegate to the Executive Director of People, in consultation with the Executive Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, to make minor revisions to the Housing Allocation Policy, including changes required in future statutory guidance, as considered necessary to give effect to the operation of the Policy.

1.     The current housing allocation policy is over seven years old. A new policy is

required to take account of legislative changes, to support the Council’s

homelessness and housing strategies, and to address shortfalls in housing supply against demand in Bracknell Forest.

2.     A report was presented to Executive in November 2023 setting out the proposed changes to the current housing allocation policy. At that meeting Executive gave approval to commence consultation with a wide range of stakeholders to obtain their comments and feedback on the proposals.

3.     This report summarises the consultation responses for each of the main proposed changes. These are set out in more detail in the attached consultation report. The proposed new housing allocation policy, which incorporates the changes, is also appended to this report. Its approval by Executive will enable the policy to be adopted as Council policy.

The current policy is out of date and no longer reflects the housing needs of the

residents of Bracknell Forest and those seeking housing assistance in the borough

and so the option of doing nothing has not been considered.

None