Cabinet:

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

Councillor Chapman presented the report to Cabinet to commence the Statutory Consultation on the draft Housing Allocation Scheme for Havering.

This draft policy proposes a number of revisions to the current policy (dated 2016) and sets out how social housing is prioritised, to ensure that it is fairly allocated to households in the greatest need. Prior to being implemented a statutory consultation is required.

The Scheme also sets out how the Council will enable access to other forms of affordable housing, such as shared ownership and intermediate rented housing.

The aims of the revised Allocations Scheme are to:

• ensure that we make the best possible use of the social housing stock;
• provide housing that is suitable to the specific needs and requirements of households;
• prioritise households that have been assessed to be in most need and to those who make a positive contribution to our community;
• help build sustainable communities and neighbourhoods, and

·      ensure social and affordable housing is allocated in a clear, fair and transparent manner.

The Housing Act 1996 requires significant changes to the housing allocation scheme to be consulted on with stakeholders and housing applicants. Following the authorisation of this draft scheme a formal consultation will commence over a period of 12 weeks. This will consist of:

·        The draft policy and questionnaire being available on the council consultation portal;

·        Draft questionnaire will be sent to key stakeholders such as housing association, neighbouring boroughs and voluntary sector organisations.

The outcome of the consultation will be reported to Cabinet with recommendations for the adoption of the formal allocation scheme in April 2021.

Cabinet:

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