Decision details

A review of the Council's Allocation of Affordable Housing Policy after the first six months of operation.

1          That the order of priority for selecting successful bids for properties be amended and awarded on the basis of:

Local connection followed by;

The applicant in the highest band (A-E)

2          That within each band, priority be given to applicants according to the date of placement in the band; in cases where an applicant has 2 or more children, those with different genders where one is over 10 years will be prioritised ahead of those with younger children or children of the same gender.

3          That out of borough applicants will be considered on a case by case basis to identify whether a local connection with the borough can be established.

The Council’s My Choice Housing Allocations Policy has been operating since January 2010, when the new BFC My Choice went live. While the new Allocations Policy is generally working well, the operation of the policy relating to out of borough applicants is not in line with the original policy objectives. The report proposes an alternative approach in order that the original policy objectives are met.

The Allocations policy could be left to operate in its current format. However, this is likely to result in vacant RSL properties being allocated to applicants living outside the borough.

None.

Consultation via telephone interview and written consultation.

Directly with housing applicants and Registered Social Landlords.