Issue - meetings

A report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care is attached. This presents Enfield Council’s Tenancy Strategy 2013-2018 for approval. (Key decision – reference number 3527)

(Report No.139)

(8.35 – 8.40 pm)

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing) introduced the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care (No.139) presenting Enfield Council’s Tenancy Strategy 2013-2018.

NOTED

1.         that there was a statutory requirement under the Localism Act 2011 for local authorities to have a Tenancy Strategy in place by January 2013;

2.         that the Strategy set out a range of issues that Registered Providers (Housing Associations and Enfield Homes) with social rented housing stock in Enfield should have regard to when formulating their Tenancy Policies, although it could not be imposed on them. The Strategy reflected the Council’s position that longer term tenancies were the best approach for addressing housing need and building strong neighbourhoods and sustainable communities. The Strategy aligned with the Council’s other Housing Strategies.

Alternative Options Considered: Publication of a Tenancy Strategy was a statutory requirement.

DECISION: The Cabinet

1.         agreed Enfield’s new Tenancy Strategy;

2.         noted the requirement for a Tenancy Policy to be developed for Registered Providers with housing stock in the borough, including Enfield Homes.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL to approve the Tenancy Strategy.

Reasons for recommendations: Enfield’s Tenancy Strategy provides Registered providers with a broad statement of the objectives and aims of the Council in relation to tenancies, aims and objectives that will reflect the local circumstances existing in Enfield. It is vital that the strategic direction provided to housing providers on the use of fixed term tenancies is endorsed by the Council. The policies developed by housing providers will influence key corporate objectives, including sustainable communities. During 2013, a Tenancy Policy for the Council’s own housing stock will be developed in partnership with Enfield Homes, in line with this Tenancy Strategy.

(Key decision – reference number 3527)