Issue - meetings

A presentation will be given on the impact of the new Lettings Strategy on Care leavers.

The Committee received a presentation on the review of the Allocations Policy which is currently out for consultation, with implementation planned for April 2010. Details of the proposed new allocations system were set out against the wider strategic context and the current situation in Haringey, with the aim of ensuring the best use was made of a limited supply of properties. The proposed new system would be based on a banding structure used as best practice in a number of London boroughs and would replace the current complex points system to prioritise allocations according to need through a more transparent and fair system.

Confirmation was provided that the new Policy would allocate a specific quota of properties for care leavers in line with arrangements adopted in other boroughs. Further research would need to be undertaken to determine the size of the quota although it was emphasised that it was unlikely that all demand could be met. The new Policy would also encourage close working with the Leaving Care team and support agencies to provide settlement support to care leavers to encourage sustainable tenancies. Concerns were raised regarding care leavers aged 16-17 being unable to sign tenancy agreements and the impact on ability to achieve sustainable tenancies.

In relation to consideration of the housing needs of foster carers and adopters, the Chair requested that the Policy recognise the strict adoption criteria requiring adopted children to be provided with their own bedrooms.

Concerns were raised by Members regarding the quality of private sector housing provision used by the Council in the borough. Confirmation was provided that a revised accreditation scheme for landlords was now in place, setting out environmental health endorsed accommodation standards and ‘fit for purpose’ tests based around checks of the property and the landlord.

RESOLVED:

·      That a briefing note on the revised standards and tests for private sector housing provision used by the Council be circulated to Committee members. 

·      That the summary document for the new Allocations Policy be circulated to Committee members and that any further comments be passed onto the Head of Housing Needs and Lettings.