To consider the government’s new affordable rent tenure and the implications this will have on the delivery of affordable housing in the borough. Consideration also needs to be given to the new requirement to develop a statutory Tenancy Strategy.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Decision due: 26 Apr 2011 by Cabinet
Consultation process
Consultation will be undertaken with the Homes and Communities Agency, the Greater London Authority and registered housing providers.
DMT date and early discussion between AD and Cabinet Member: Cabinet Member for Housing with the Director of Urban Environment
SLT date: The new affordable rent tenure and the way in which the Homes and Communities Agency will fund affordable housing in future will see social rented housing replaced with housing at rents at up to 80% of market rents. This will have a significant and disproportionate impact on vulnerable residents and those on lower incomes as they will find it increasingly difficult to meet their housing costs. There is a fear that this will lead to increased benefit dependency amongst residents of the borough. Flexible tenancies could impact on the sustainability of communities by imposing time limits on the length of tenancies.