Issue - meetings

To consider a proposed Local Lettings Policy for Specialist Accommodation (Older People).

The Executive considered a report in respect of a proposed Local Lettings Policy for Specialist Accommodation (Older People).

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the Local Lettings Policy for Specialist Accommodation (Older People), as attached at Appendix A to the report, be approved and adopted.

2.          That it be noted that the budget for the Specialist Support Officer (Lettings) role has been factored in until December 2023, and that beyond that, a growth bid will be submitted for the 2024/25 HRA Business Plan to maintain this role.  This was in addition to the Accommodation and Complex Needs Officer post.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

The Executive considered a report in respect of a proposed Local Lettings Policy for Specialist Accommodation (Older People).

The Portfolio Holder for Housing & Housing Development advised that the Council recognised that there was an increasing older persons population.  As part of the Older Person’s Strategy commitments, the proposed policy ensured that the Council met their needs, whilst recognising that complex cases required specific property types and support.   The removal of Specialist Accommodation from the Choice Based Lettings bidding system would improve the customer journey to identify the most suitable property for letting.  This streamlined approach would also ensure that properties were let in the shortest possible timeframes, reducing void rent loss. 

The Executive noted that the necessary staffing requirements were to be built into the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan for the Specialist Support Officer (Lettings) to be maintained to support the implementation of the Local Lettings Policy.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing & Housing Development stated that the policy responded to tenants’ needs and priorities and contributed to developing a better housing service for older people, as outlined in the Future Town Future Council programme ambitions for Co-operative Neighbourhood Management, Connected to our Customers and Excellent Council Homes.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the Local Lettings Policy for Specialist Accommodation (Older People), as attached at Appendix A to the report, be approved and adopted.

2.          That it be noted that the budget for the Specialist Support Officer (Lettings) role has been factored in until December 2023, and that beyond that, a growth bid will be submitted for the 2024/25 HRA Business Plan to maintain this role.  This was in addition to the Accommodation and Complex Needs Officer post.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.