The Housing Strategy & Quality Manager, explained the purpose of the report was to outline the reason why Local Authorities are required to have an up to date Allocations Policy. The report sets out a number of recommended changes and matters for consideration regarding the current Housing Allocations Policy.

The recommended changes include:

• Removing of band 5 on the housing list
• Revisiting “families local connections”
• Employment
• Financial threshold
• Cancelling inactive applicants

Councillor Spillman expressed his disagreement with the removal of band 5 on the Council housing list as there was no ethical reason behind it, although it gives residents false hope of being housed.

Councillor Redsell asked Officers what they expect will change by removing band 5. Officers responded that it would allow properties to be allocated to those most in need i.e. bands 1- 4.

The Committee discussed “the family connections” criteria as there are a large amount of modern families in the borough which this policy would need to take into account.

Councillor Spillman felt unhappy with the report and stated that he would not be supporting the recommendations as he felt that Cabinet needed to take into account how families would be affected by this policy.

Councillor Redsell asked whether local employment held any weight in the eligibility criteria for social housing. Officers confirmed all applicants on the housing register were invited to take part in the consultations however only 539 responses were received.

Councillor Pothercary mentioned “Key workers” as they may not meet the local employment criteria, due to their income.  Officers explained “key Workers” would focus on graduates and not necessarily include Doctors due to their income.

Officers explained that the Local Authority was under a legal duty to house residents, although few residents housed each year are band 5, only 15 - 50 residents on band 5 are housed each year.  Officers added that Basildon Council have a 6 year minimum for living in the borough.

The Chair highlighted as part of the Local Plan, the Council proposed 10,000 Council properties over 20 years. There are 8,000 residents on the waiting list, and it would not be appropriate for the properties to be empty which would be the case if band 5 was removed. 

The Director explained to the Committee that band 5 would not be abolished until (2019) and all residents currently on band 5 will have a small chance of being accommodated.

The Committee asked in particular what residents would be placed on band 5. The Director explained band 5 was for residents who are adequately housed in either privately rented homes or living with family members and are waiting to be accommodated by the Council but meet the other eligibility criteria.

Councillor Spillman said the residents on band 5 could also be individuals aged 40 or above living with their parents as it is exceptionally difficult for them financially to rent privately.

The Chair proposed for Members to move a motion as the committee seemed against the removing of band 5 on the housing list. He felt it would prevent the younger generation from getting social housing.  Councillor Jefferies disagreed with the Chair’s comment as it would not impact on the younger generation.

The Director advised that the Local Plan was out for consultation and the commitment was to build homes. The Committee stated that the new builds would need to be affordable homes.

During the discussion all Members decided that the recommendations 3.1.7, 3.2.3, 3.4.6, 3.5.12 would be approved and the Chair, the Vice-Chair and Councillor Pothercary disagreed with recommendation 3.3.4 - Banding and Lists, Matters for Consideration.

RESOLVED: That:

1.      Members commented on the relevant sections of the report:

3.1.7 – Local Connection – Matters for Consideration

3.2.3 – Financial Qualification – Matters for Consideration

3.4.6 – Key Workers and Working Households – Matters for Consideration

3.5.12 – Applications, Bidding and Offers – Matters for Consideration