Issue - meetings

That the Tenancy Strategy be approved

Decision

That the Tenancy Strategy be approved

Corporate objectives

Clean, safe and enjoyable environment.

Building strong and vibrant communities.

Monitoring Officer:  

Further to the Localism Act 2011 local housing authorities are under a duty to prepare and publish a tenancy strategy. The attached Tenancy Strategy sets out how Dacorum meets its obligations under section 150 to 153 of the Localism Act 2011.

Deputy S.151 Officer:

There are no financial impacts raised by this strategy update.

Advice

N Beresford introduced the report which highlights the different tenancies on offer within the social housing stock and the relationship management with our partners. She introduced C Thomas who is the Independent Reviewing Officer and has led on the development of this strategy.

C Thomas said the strategy has been written to outline approaches to different tenancies and the working relationship with registered providers, the affordability and tenure types. The strategy ensures there is the same level of affordability and tenure regardless of landlord. This strategy was written prior to the Portfolio Holder decision for flexible tenancies so this can be reviewed and amended if required.

Councillor Elliot said that housing association properties charge 80% of market rent and asked how market rent is defined.

N Beresford said Dacorum falls under the South West Herts region in respect of local housing allowance rents with the exception of parts of Tring which falls into the Aylesbury Vale region. Parts of St Albans and Harpenden fall under the South West Herts region.

Councillor Elliot said those were expensive areas which should skew the rates.

Councillor Williams referred to the nomination rights (100% on all initial lets and 85 or 75% on re-lets) and said he was under the impression that housing associations do not keep their own list of applicants.

N Beresford said most do not. The lists they do keep are mainly for the internal management of urgent transfers. They often approach us as they do not retain their lists.

Councillor Williams said we may achieve more than the 75% re-let rate.

N Beresford said yes.

The recommendations were agreed.