Decision Maker: Executive
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
A new housing allocation policy is required to
bring the policy in line with legislative changes and to address
the current housing supply and demand challenges facing
the borough.
Government guidance states that all Housing authorities must have
an allocation scheme for determining priorities, and for defining
the procedures to be followed in allocating housing accommodation;
and they must allocate in accordance with that scheme.
RESOLVED that:
i. the proposed changes to the Housing Allocation Policy are approved.
ii. the proposed consultation plan to enable applicants, stakeholders, partner organisations, councillors, and the wider public to give their views on the proposed policy changes prior to presenting the findings and any subsequent amendments to the Executive for approval.
1. The current housing allocations policy is over seven years old and requires a refresh 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. The proposed policy reflects and demonstrates the Council’s ambitions, whilst also addressing the challenges of a limited supply of homes for allocation and an increased demand for social and affordable rented homes.
3. Stakeholder consultation is an important part of the development of a new Housing Allocations Policy, enabling residents, applicants, partners, Registered Providers of social housing, and officers and councillors to understand and comment on the proposed changes to the 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The current policy is out of date and no longer reflects the housing needs of the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
Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;
Wards Affected: (All Wards);
Financial Impact: Details will be available in the report when known
Declarations: None
Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No
Making Representations: In writing to the Executive Director: People
Consultees
All stakeholders, partners, Members, key
service areas within the Council, applicants and
residents
Contact: Brian Daly, Head of Housing Email: brian.daly@bracknell-forest.gov.uk, Audrey Johnson, Assistant Director: Early Help & Communities Email: audrey.johnson@bracknell-forest.gov.uk, Grainne Siggins, Executive Director People Email: grainne.siggins@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.
Report author: Brian Daly
Publication date: 14/11/2023
Date of decision: 14/11/2023
Decided at meeting: 14/11/2023 - Executive
Effective from: 23/11/2023
Accompanying Documents: