Issue - meetings

To receive the report of the Executive Director of Housing, Health and Adult Social Care, presenting the draft Housing Allocations Scheme.

RECEIVED the report of the Executive Director of Housing, Health and Adult Social Care.

NOTED

The introduction by Laura Martins (Strategy and Policy Hub Manager) including:

?  The scheme was important because of the severe shortage of affordable homes across London and the severe shortage of social rented homes in Enfield.

?  The rationale of the scheme was described: how the allocation of social housing was prioritised and how households would be supported to find settled accommodation in the private rented sector.

?  The proposed changes were highlighted.

?  The public consultation was taking place for 12 weeks between 14 June and 8 September. All were invited to participate in the consultation. There had already been 382 responses. All applicants on the housing register were being consulted directly.

IN RESPONSE comments and questions were received, including:

1.    In response to Councillor Orhan’s queries regarding the care leavers’ offer and protection, attention was drawn to para 6.3 of the draft scheme detailing applicants in particular circumstances given a higher score, including single people under 25 leaving Enfield Council’s care. It was confirmed that Strategic Housing Board included a representative from Children’s Services and Ray James would consider closer work with Children’s Services and input into any Council new-build housing.

2.    Tessa Lindfield noted opportunities as these households were often those targeted for working closely with in respect of health improvement

3.    The Chair noted that the draft scheme was prepared before the Grenfell Tower fire, and this may raise issues regarding allocations.

4.    Councillor Orhan advised of the high amount of ward councillor casework around overcrowding and the effects of housing on individuals’ health and wellbeing. Ray James confirmed the importance of the policies to guide officers’ work and that they should be transparent, and the wish to build a consensus around the criteria. Therefore all comments were welcomed and Health and Wellbeing Board members were encouraged to feed into the consultation.

AGREED that Health and Wellbeing Board noted:

(1)  the draft Housing Allocation Scheme and invitation to provide feedback;

(2)  the request to promote the public consultation amongst staff and service users to encourage all stakeholders to provide their feedback.