Agenda item

Debby Weller, Head of Housing Strategy and Policy, was in attendance to respond to Members’ requests for clarification regarding the Housing Allocation Policy Consultation Draft as set out in the agenda pack.

Members enquired whether the figures set out in the chart on page 122 of the agenda pack included migrants temporarily housed in hotels. It was confirmed that responsibility for asylum seekers placed in hotels by the Home Office did not sit with the local authority – the figures in the aforementioned table represented those households considered to be at risk of homelessness.

In relation to overcrowding, Members referenced the proposed changes to the current social housing allocations policy as set out on page 125 of the pack and expressed concern that the proposal would serve to further increase stress on housing stock. It was explained that larger properties were in high demand and short supply; the proposed changes would allow families to bid on smaller properties provided this did not result in statutory or severe overcrowding. The pressure on the three-bed queue was far greater than on the two-bed queue and it was anticipated that this change would help to reduce the pressure on larger properties.

In response to further queries, the Committee was advised that a housing offer would be considered ‘reasonable’ provided that it met the needs of the individual(s) concerned. In the case of domestic abuse victims who chose not to leave a property, Members heard that the local authority would carry out a risk assessment and do everything possible to make the property safe.

Councillors sought further clarification as to how residents’ expectations were being managed. The Head of Housing Strategy and Policy confirmed that part of the rationale behind the proposed changes was to increase residents’ understanding of the situation and the chances of being rehoused. It was anticipated that residents would be able to see more clearly which were the top priority bands. Information would be widely publicised to raise awareness of the current housing situation / waiting lists etc.

Members expressed concern that some residents housed outside the Borough incorrectly assumed that they would be able to move back into the Borough at a future date. Officers explained that those moved out of Borough into a temporary accommodation placement retained their residency with Hillingdon as Hillingdon Council had placed them there. However, those who moved into the private rented sector would be removed from Hillingdon’s housing register. It was agreed that officers would follow this up to ensure residents fully understood the implications of accepting any offer.

The Select Committee noted that the Policy was a lengthy document and a difficult read and sought reassurance that it would lead to an improved experience for residents. It was confirmed that the revised Policy offered genuine change – the new banding system would provide increased clarity and would ensure people were moved more easily through the different types of accommodation.

In response to further questions from the Committee regarding the consultation process, Members heard that the response rate had been good with 241 responses to the online consultation having been received to date. Colleagues in Social Care and other organisations had also been consulted.

It was confirmed that, in the longer term, any agreed changes would be communicated carefully and clearly to residents via the website and other channels to ensure they were fully understood. A short video would also be produced to reset expectations regarding social housing. If residents were still unsure, they could seek further clarification via their case workers.

Councillors sought reassurance that all those on the housing register list had been invited to respond to the consultation. It was confirmed that this had not yet happened as there had been a delay in sourcing the required email addresses. Members expressed concern regarding the short deadline and suggested that the consultation period be extended to ensure all those on the register were given the opportunity to respond. It was agreed that the Head of Housing Strategy and Policy would explore this further and would ensure that those on the register / joining the register were targeted as soon as possible.

The Select Committee Members felt strongly that, as best practice going forward, it was essential that those impacted by any change be consulted first prior to consulting the general public.

Councillors drew attention to the information regarding the consultation process as set out on pages 130-131 of the agenda pack noting that 241 responses was not a particularly large number. It was felt that there was a lack of detailed information regarding social media responses, and it was suggested that more could be done to ensure a better response rate. The Head of Housing Strategy and Policy agreed to conduct further analysis of this information and feed back to the Committee.  Members expressed concern that those who were not digitally enabled would not be able to respond to the consultation. It was confirmed that a paper version had been made available. The Committee suggested that it would be a good idea to leave copies in the reception area at the Civic Centre to encourage people to respond.

At the request of Members, it was agreed that a comprehensive update on the responses to the consultation would be communicated to the Committee via Democratic Services.

RESOLVED: That the Residents’ Services Select Committee reviewed and commented on the draft policy and consultation process.