Decision details

Social Housing Allocation Policy - Consultation Draft

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Decisions:

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.

 

Relevant Select Committee

Residents’ Services

Expiry date for any scrutiny call-in / date decision can be implemented (if no call-in)

Cabinet’s decisions can be called in by a majority of the select committee by 5pm, Friday 2 August 2024.

Officer(s) to action

Debbie Weller

Directorate

Central Services

Classification

Public

The report and any background papers relating to this decision by the Cabinet are available to view on the Council's website or by visiting the Civic Centre, Uxbridge.

 

 

Publication date: 26/07/2024

Date of decision: 25/07/2024

Decided at meeting: 25/07/2024 - CABINET

Effective from: 03/08/2024

Accompanying Documents: