Issue - meetings

A report from the Executive Director – Housing, Regeneration & Development is attached.  (Key decision – reference number 5625)

Cllr George Savva (Cabinet Member for Social Housing) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Housing, Regeneration and Development, seeking approval for a new service model and a revised Placement Policy. The current pressures on accessing temporary and affordable housing in the borough were highlighted, and the route proposed was the only way forward for residents to secure an affordable home.

The Leader also emphasized the importance of responding at this time to the significant pressure on the Council’s budget because of the cost of temporary accommodation.

Officers highlighted details of the placement policy and the support to be provided to particularly vulnerable residents and to families with children. The impact on the Council’s budget if the current situation was not addressed was advised, and that temporary accommodation was now top of the budget pressures being faced by councils across London.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to:

I. Note the impact of current housing and welfare benefits policy on residents which is resulting in increased homelessness and residents in hotel accommodation for long periods of time.

II. Agree the response which is to rehouse residents where rents and Local Housing Allowance (LHA) levels converge maximising the choice that is available.

III. Agree the new service model and communications with residents outlined in the report to address this. Delegate authority to the Director of Housing and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Housing to develop bespoke support arrangements consistent with the needs of residents and the local areas in which placements are made.

IV. Approve the Placement Policy.

V. To maximise the available accommodation for those in most need, agree to request the Housing Gateway Board to revise its housing policy to offer new tenancies for a two year period at LHA rates and thereafter at market rent levels.

VI. Agree to request the Housing Gateway Board to set rents at market rates for existing tenants from April 2024.

The report sets out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

(Key decision – reference number 5625)