Decision details

N Brathwaite introduced the report on behalf of J Cooper introduced the report, the purpose of this report is to consult with the committee and offer the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes to the Housing Allocations Policy.

J Cooper/N Brathwaite was happy to take questions on the report.

Cllr Imarni referred to 1.41. Are 5 points enough to get people to attend the training.

N Brathwaite said it depends what property they are applying for. A 2 bed can go for 100 points and a 3 bed can go for 20 points. 5 points is sufficient.

Cllr Imarni asked if the training is making a difference.

N Brathwaite said training has changed; it covers key areas and is very effective.

Cllr W Wyatt-Lowe referred to page 140 sections 5, could you please clarify as this is a little confusing, if a married couple split are we not discriminating against the person who was there.

N Brathwaite said this is very challenging for the team. They do their best to avoid allocating two 2 bedroom properties, we need to ensure its being managed effectively and do take court papers into consideration and ensure that management of housing stock is balanced with demand/legal requirements.

Cllr Imarni asked what happens when a separated couple have shared custody.

N Brathwaite said again there are challenges here, they do support them and again it’s a challenge for best use of property. If a person has an extra bedroom they would pay bedroom tax and if they earned a lot then they could privately rent so again each case is looked at and supported.

Cllr Silwal asked if we are notifying people of the removal of register.

J Cooper said yes they do communicate with them and they can amend their application if anything has changed and if applicants don’t meet the criteria they will be notified and removed.

Cllr England referred to page 140 could we update the correct term. The policy needs to recognise that a divorce is hard on kids; shared parenting is on the increase and puts pressure on housing.

N Brathwaite noted this.

Cllr Griffith said that when you play with the policy some will win and some will lose, as much as we would like to solve every problem its impossible and we have limited stock.

Action:  None

Outcome:   Report Noted.