Proposed changes to the housing allocation
policy were presented to Executive in November 2023, along with a
draft of the new policy and the rationale for the proposed changes.
Executive gave its approval to launch a period of public
consultation to enable residents, service providers and local
organisations to give their views on the key proposals.
This report provides the findings and responses to the public
consultation on the proposed new housing allocation
policy
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/04/2024 - Executive
Decision published: 23/04/2024
Effective from: 02/05/2024
Decision:
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.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Brian Daly, Audrey Johnson, Grainne Siggins
To seek approval of the process to distribute
additional grant funding received as part of the Household Support
Fund. To update on the final outcomes of the Financial Hardship
Action Plan.
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/04/2024 - Executive
Decision published: 23/04/2024
Effective from: 02/05/2024
Decision:
i. the Household Support Fund (phase five) be distributed through:
a) Purchasing supermarket vouchers, or for opted schools to make equivalent arrangements, for children qualifying for Free School Meals in Bracknell Forest primary and secondary schools. Households will receive a £15 voucher per child per week of the holidays.
b) Enhancing the Local Welfare Scheme provision, to expand the support available via applications from households in need of emergency help, where assistance cannot be accessed elsewhere.
c) The provision of application-based grants to voluntary, community, and
faith sector organisations to build capacity and extend the reach of support to residents.
d) Extending the incentivised debt support offer, where identified at-risk
households with a housing benefit overpayment, or council tax arrears, are offered up to £1,000 to reduce their debt alongside attending a debt management session.
e) Additional discretionary payment to reduce the Council Tax liability to £0 for six months for those that receive 80% reduction in Council Tax due to being on the highest rate of disability benefit.
f) Should any funding remain unspent toward the end of the grant period,
supermarket vouchers may be provided to properties identified in fuel poverty, particularly those who are in receipt of disability and/or carer benefits and/or EPC below E.
ii. note the outcomes of the financial hardship action plan and the longer-term
support available through business-as-usual services
Lead officer: Katie Flint
To seek approval of the draft Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 2024-2029 as the basis for a 4-week public consultation.
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/04/2024 - Executive
Decision published: 23/04/2024
Effective from: 02/05/2024
Decision:
RESOLVED that the draft Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 2024-2029 and supporting summary document as the basis for a 4-week public Consultation is approved.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Rosie Lear
The adoption of a Social Value Policy to be
applied across all Council commissioning and procurement, in line
with the Social Value Act
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/04/2024 - Executive
Decision published: 23/04/2024
Effective from: 02/05/2024
Decision:
RESOLVEDthat
i. the adoption of the new Social Value Policy (attachment 1) under the Local
Target methodology is approved.
ii. the adoption of the Bracknell Forest Council Social Value Matrix (attachment 2), developed by the Bracknell Forest community is approved, to operate as the Council’s current Local Targets under the Policy. The Matrix is not fixed and the specific targets will be reviewed annually and adjusted to reflect the changing needs of the community.
Lead officer: Alistair Little
To agree inclusion of the building(s) and structure(s) set out in this report to be included on the Local list of buildings and structures of local architectural or historic interest.
Decision Maker: Executive Member for Planning and Transport
Decision published: 19/04/2024
Effective from: 27/04/2024
Decision:
That the following buildings and structure be included on the local heritage list:
· The Archaeological site of the Former Well at Chussex, Crowthorne Road, Easthampstead.
· Brownlow Hall, Newell Green, Warfield.
· The Yorkshire Rose Newell Green, Warfield.
Wards affected: Binfield North & Warfield West; Easthampstead & Wildridings;
Lead officer: Jessica Taylor
To approve the council’s corporate
communications and marketing strategy for 2024 to 2028.
Decision Maker: Executive Member for Economic Development and Regeneration
Decision published: 18/04/2024
Effective from: 27/04/2024
Decision:
That the executive member for economic development and regeneration approves the council’s corporate communications and marketing strategy 2024-28.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Alayna Razzell