Cabinet will be asked to approve an amendment to section 4.2.2 of the current allocations policy for an additional exception to be granted to allow for applicants from the gypsies and travelling communities, and those who can prove refugee status, to have their residency time spent in the borough reduced from six years to four years pending proof of continual residency and proof of positive community contribution in the Borough.

The original intention was for the matter to be resolved as part of the review of the overall allocations policy that is currently taking place. However the court has set a deadline of the 30th September 2020 for the amendment of the scheme to be agreed. The review of the allocation scheme is currently being reviewed by counsel to ensure that it meets the legal requirements and therefore the council is required to agree these minor revisions to alleviate the need for further legal action, and costs.

Cabinet:

Agreed the statutory consultation on the draft Housing Allocation Scheme attached as appendix 1 of the Cabinet report.