Issue - meetings

(Report of the Director of Urban Environment – To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing): To recommend the adoption of a revised housing policy which moves from a points based system to a banding system in line with Government Guidance.

(Report of the Director of Urban Environment  - Agenda Item 14)

We noted that the report set out the results of a comprehensive review of the Council’s housing allocations policy and proposed a fresh approach to the way in which applications for social housing were administered and prioritised.  The report also sought support for a new housing allocations policy which prioritised applications on the basis of housing needs bands rather than housing points and agreement to three months’ formal consultation being undertaken on the contents of the proposed new with a view to it being implemented in 2011.

We noted that all Council tenants would be informed by September of the new policy and that briefings would be given to Focus groups and Area Assemblies.

RESOLVED

1.      That the conclusions of the review of Haringey’s existing housing allocations policy and the need to complete a full review of the housing register in preparation for the implementation of the new housing allocations policy be noted.

2. That the proposed changes to the way in which applications for housing are administered and prioritised, as set out in the Draft Housing Allocations Policy, including the use of housing needs bands (instead of housing points) as the basis for determining applicants’ relative priority be endorsed.

3. That consultation be carried out over a three month period in relation to the Draft Housing Allocations Policy, and that all preparatory work be carried out to ensure the accurate and timely re-registration and reassessment of housing applications in order to enable the new housing allocations policy to be approved and implemented as soon as practicable.