Decision details

This report seeks the Executive's approval to adopt and implement a new Allocations Policy.

A Member Officer Working Group was established to consider the key changes required to the Allocations Policy to reflect legislative changes introduced by the Localism Act 2011. These changes included allowing Councils to develop their own local connection criteria and to give additional weighting within Allocation schemes to those applicants who have served in the Armed Forces.

The draft policy was considered by the Health and Housing Policy Development and Review Panel prior to being issued for public consultation. This report summarises the work of the Member Officer Working Group, considers issues raised through the formal consultation and outlines a timeframe for implementation.

(a)     That the Executive approves the proposed new Allocations Policy is adopted for implementation from 1st May 2013

(b)     That the existing waiting list is frozen and all housing applications be reviewed and re-prioritised

(c)     That the Member Working group reconvene in Nov 2013 to evaluate the impact of the changes and report their findings to the Health & Housing Panel