Agenda item

Cabinet:

1.    Noted the outcomes of the consultation carried out on version 7 of the Local Lettings Plan

2.    Approved the Local Lettings Plan for the Housing Regeneration Programme

3.    Noted the outcomes of the consultation carried out on the Decant Policy and Possession Procedure for the Housing Regeneration programme

4.    Approved the new draft Decant Policy and Possession Procedure for the Housing Regeneration Programme

Councillor Damian White, Cabinet Member for Housing and Deputy Leader of the Council, presented the report.

The report before Member sought approval for a revised Local Lettings Plan and Housing Regeneration Decant Policy and Possession Procedure following consultation which began in October 2017. These two documents are intrinsically linked and are designed to provide a clear outline of what Council Tenants can expect as a result of the decanting process which the 12 HRA Site Regeneration Programme necessitates.

It was reported that the 12 HRA Site Regeneration Programme had already been the subject of previous reports to Cabinet; notably those from June and October 2016. The report Members accompanies the Cabinet report which seeks approval for the Council to enter into a Joint Venture Limited Liability Partnership (JVLLP) with a Private Sector Development Partner (PSDP) to deliver the Regeneration Programme.

The Local Lettings Plan provides a policy framework for council tenants affected by a Regeneration Programme. It sets out the principles and procedures adopted by the Council for the allocation of housing to council tenants affected by a regeneration programme and our offering to those tenants; highlighting the rehousing options available to them.

There is a statutory requirement for local authorities to consult on and publish a Local Lettings Plan. Included within the report was a summary of the findings from the consultation exercise.

As the Regeneration Programme has moved into a formal stage with the procurement of a PSDP, to further the progression of the programme, it is essential that the Cabinet agree the Local Lettings Plan as it reinforces the key principles of our rehousing offer to affected Council Tenants.

The report also sought Cabinet approval of a Regeneration Decant Policy Possession Procedure which underscores how the Council will facilitate the vacant possession of the sites.

Both documents apply to secure and introductory Council tenants who will lose their home on either a temporary or permanent basis as a result of the Housing Regeneration Programme. This policy does not apply to leaseholders, freeholders, non-secure tenants living in temporary accommodation and private tenants.

Reasons for the decision:

The Local Lettings Plan identifies the formal offer which the Council is making to its tenants affected by the twelve estates Regeneration Programme. It is intended to form the basis of future discussion and dialogue with council tenants. The use of a local lettings plan clearly identifies how this can be achieved and ensures there is transparency, fairness and consistency in implementing this objective.

Other options considered:

Had the Council chosen not to formally consult and publish a Local Lettings Plan, it would be neglecting a statutory obligation to consult formally with tenants.

Cabinet:

1.    Noted the outcomes of the consultation carried out on version 7 of the Local Lettings Plan

2.    Approved the Local Lettings Plan for the Housing Regeneration Programme

3.    Noted the outcomes of the consultation carried out on the Decant Policy and Possession Procedure for the Housing Regeneration programme

4.    Approved the new draft Decant Policy and Possession Procedure for the Housing Regeneration Programme