Decision details

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Approves the Draft Hillingdon Council Social Housing Allocation Policy July 2024 included at Appendix A, for consultation.

2)    Agrees to receive the findings of the consultation and any proposals for subsequent changes to the policy for consideration at the Cabinet meeting in November 2024.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed an updated Social Housing Allocation Policy for consultation. The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services presented the report detailing proposed changes to the policy which aimed to make it more transparent for the Council and residents. It was noted that the current policy resulted in many applicants being grouped in Bands A and B, often with unrealistic expectations of obtaining council housing soon. The proposed changes for consultation would be for smaller bands for a clearer allocation status.

The Leader of the Council expressed the importance of transparency and realism in providing information to those seeking social housing and looked forward to strengthening the policy based on residents' feedback during the consultation phase.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None, as Cabinet considered the policy needed to respond to changes in housing need and to enable the Council to fulfil its functions in an efficient and effective way.