Issue details

To consider the adoption and implementation of a borough wide Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy. The aim of which is to make optimum use of the social housing stock in Fareham. 

The Localism Act 2011 requiresall registered providers of social housing to prepare and publish a 'Tenancy Strategy' by April 2013.

This report outlines proposals for the adoption of a borough wide Tenancy Strategy which other registered social housing providers should have regard to in setting their own tenancy policies. Furthermore the report outlines proposals under a Tenancy Policy for the Council to grant 'flexible' tenancies to new tenants of family sized housing from April 2013.

The Tenancy Strategy has been developed by a Member Officer Working Group reporting to the Health and Housing Policy Development and Review Panel and the Housing Tenancy Board. The draft Strategy has also been subject to public consultation. Although the total number of responses to the consultation is disappointing, those that did respond showed strong support for the Council's proposal to use flexible tenancies.

If approved for adoption and implementation the new Tenancy Strategy will help the Council and other registered providers (with social housing stock in the borough) to make best use of the existing social housing stock in meeting local needs.