Decision details

Cabinet considered a report which sought approval of the reviewed North Tyneside Council’s Lettings Policy.

The review of the Lettings Policy had been carried out taking into account the following: -

·         Shrinking Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget: Reduced rents by 1% for 4 years as a consequence of changes made by national government; and the impact on rental income due to the introduction of Universal Credit, rent arrears had increased by £594,000in 2018/19.

·         Reduction in housing stock: The Authority’s housing stock had reduced from 32,000 in 1979 to 14,656at the end of 2018/19.  A total of 382 properties had been sold under the Right to Buy scheme since 2016.

·         New legislation: The introduction of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017 had put new duties on the Authority as to how to manage homeless applications and prevent homelessness.

·         Ensuring people with housing need were allocated available homes:There were 3,868 applicants registered on the Authority’s housing register, with an average of 1,400 homes available a year.  Due to the low level of available homes it was important that homes were allocated to those applicants most in need.

The review of the Lettings Policy had taken into consideration all relevant legislation, issues identified during the operation of the current Lettings Policy and feedback from consultation with Members, staff, tenants / potential tenants, residents and key stakeholders.

The feedback from the consultation on each of the proposals was provided in the Consultation Report as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.  Six changes to the Lettings Policy had originally been proposed but as a result of the feedback only four were now proposed as follows:

·         Homeless applicants’ choice to bid

·         Financial Resources

·         Restricting Transfer Applicants

·         Restrictions on Bidding

Further details of each of the above amendments were set out in the report.

Cabinet considered the following decision options: 1) to accept the recommendations set out in paragraph 1.2 of the report; or alternatively, 2) to accept the recommendations, subject to amendments as specified by Cabinet; 3) not to approve the recommendations and refer the content of the report back to officers for further consideration and consultation.

Resolved that the North Tyneside Council Lettings Policy, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved. 

(Reasons for decision: This will support the continued efficient and effective management of the housing register and allocation of the Authority’s homes and thereby continue to play an important role in meeting housing need within the Borough. The proposals contained within Option 1 reflect feedback from consultation and secure compliance with the Authority’s statutory duties.

If the preferred option is not approved, the Authority will be in a weaker position to manage some of the risks associated in meeting legislative requirements, welfare reforms and managing housing need.)