Cabinet:

1. Approved the draft Tenancy Policy in principle prior to consultation with residents and other stakeholders.

2. Agreed for the Council to consult with residents and other stakeholders on the proposed changes in the draft Tenancy Policy.

3. Noted that the results and feedback that emerges from the consultation will assist the Council in the completion of a full Equalities Impact Assessment which will support the final version of the Tenancy Policy.

NB As at July 2022, the Draft Policy has not been implemented.

The report was presented to Cabinet by Councillor Joshua Chapman, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing.  The new Tenancy policy replaces the current Tenancy Management Policy. Its purpose is to inform home seekers and council officers about the type of tenancies that will be on offer from the London Borough of Havering. It sets out clearly how the Council lets out its properties.

The length of tenancy and the type of tenancy which we issue to tenants is subject to statute with little scope for discretion which the Council can apply.

The proposed policy also sets out how the Council will monitor and review introductory and flexible tenancies. It also provides information on mutual exchanges.

The policy also explains the legal assignment and succession rights afforded to Introductory and Secure tenants. There is guidance on the principles to be applied when officers consider applications to assign or succeed to introductory or secure tenancies.  This represents an area of change.

The policy looks to delivers balance and stability for local households with flexibility for the Council to manage existing housing stock.

The draft policy will now be subject to consultation and will return back to Cabinet for full consideration.

There was some concern as to whether a simplified version of the policy would be available to ensure consultation is widely spread and that consultees fully understand the issues involved as it is a very complex area.  It will help to ensure officers are available to deal with queries and an All Member Briefing will be required to equip members with information they need to assist residents.

Cabinet:

1. Approved the draft Tenancy Policy in principle prior to consultation with residents and other stakeholders.

2. Agreed for the Council to consult with residents and other stakeholders on the proposed changes in the draft Tenancy Policy.

3. Noted that the results and feedback that emerges from the consultation will assist the Council in the completion of a full Equalities Impact Assessment which will support the final version of the Tenancy Policy.