The Officer presented the report to Officers and stated that a review of the Housing Allocations Scheme had taken place in 2014 following the introduction of the new statutory guidance and legislation.  A further review has now been undertaken following the review and further amendments were recommended for noting by the Committee for approval and implementation by Cabinet in February and implementation for 1 April 2016.

The Officer presented each Issue of the report individually to members.

Procedural Changes for Advertising Properties

The Officer further clarified:

More flexibility around advertising dates – properties would still be advertised for the same amount of time but start and end dates would vary.

The bidding process would not change and that the Assisted Bidding option would still be available.

Local Lettings Plan

The Officer clarified that the process was consistent throughout the borough and that the allocation of properties would be 75 per cent allocated to existing tenants and 25 per cent be allocated in line with the Council’s usual allocation process.

Pre-Tenancy Training

The Officer clarified that the training would only be mandatory to all new applicants.

A discussion took place between Members and Officers on the purpose and the process of the training and how the training was to be conducted. Councillor MacPherson expressed her concern that there was not a certain level to pass the training.

Councillor Ojetola stated that he supported this training initiative but should not be tagged as training and recommended that the title should be toned down and not say the word Training.

Lynn Mansfield asked for further clarification on the survey and how this was distributed. The Officer confirmed that this was sent out to all those on the waiting or transfer lists, encouraging applicants to go on-line to the Thurrock Choice Home Page to find the link to the survey which was available via the Council Consultancy Portal. Lynn Mansfield stated her concern for those that were not IT literate.

The Chair stated that residents should be made aware of what is expected from them to ensure that this training is completed.

The Members agreed that the recommendation should be reworded to that pre-tenancy information sessions were mandatory for all new tenants.

Sheltered or Extra Care 2 bedroom properties

Councillor Ojetola asked for clarification on costs on 2 bedroom rent if offered to a single person. The Officer confirmed that the cost would be at a 2 bedroom rate and that tenants would need to be made aware of this.

Discretionary power to award a welfare banding for homeless prevention

A discussion took place between the Members and Officers. The Officers confirmed that there were no specific numbers available on how many tenants this would affect but residents would be encouraged to talk to the council earlier and that the process would need to be conducted carefully.

Annual Review of financial qualification

Councillor MacPherson asked the Officers how many 4 bedroom housing were being built in Thurrock. The Officer confirmed approximately 6.

Options for older owner occupiers

The Officer confirmed that the leasing scheme would be for a minimum of five years. If the owner of the property were to decease, that lease would come to an end and a clause would need to be added to reflect this.

Members would be keen to see results of any pilot before agreeing to recommendations.

Members agreed that the recommendation should be reworded to that the financial qualification be removed for sheltered and extra care applicants who lease their properties back to the Council to allow a pilot scheme to run for one year.

The Chair stated this would have an effect on resident’s finances as they would be liable for tax and could also affect pensions. The Officer confirmed that yes this would be the case and that residents would be advised to seek advice from independent financial advisors.

RESOLVED

That the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommend the following changes in this report to Cabinet for approval and implementation from April 2016.

1.         That the bidding cycles were no longer limited to weekly but may be continuous on the property advert.

2.         That the Appendix 1 to the Local Lettings Plan be recommended        for all new developments within existing Council estates.

3.         That the pre-tenancy information sessions were mandatory for all new tenants.

4.         That 2 bedroom properties can be offered to a couple or single person subject to there being no waiting applicants meeting the criteria for a 2 bedroom properties which were specifically designed for older people.

5.         That the welfare priority band 3 is awarded at the discretion of the Housing management panel on the condition that the applicant is able to remain in the current or an alternative home, following intervention by the Housing solutions team, for at least 6 months.

6.         That the financial qualification criteria were updated for 2016-17.

7.         That a pilot scheme is recommended whereby the financial qualification is removed for sheltered applicants who lease their properties back to the Council. The pilot scheme would be for one year.