Decision details

The Executive will be asked to agree a revised Sheltered Housing policy that will bring the assessment process into line with the general needs housing policy, together with related minor amendments to the More Choice in Lettings policy

Received a report from the Corporate Director of Customer Services highlighting the need for further changes to the allocations policy due to the Council’s commitment to continuous improvement through service improvement plans and from feedback and recommendations following the Audit Commission Inspection of Homelessness, Allocations and Lettings in February 2008.

Agreed, in order to assist the Council to achieve its Community Priorities of ‘Promoting Equal Opportunities and Celebrating Diversity’ and ‘Improving Health, Housing and Social Care’, to:

(i)  the amendments to the Allocations Policy to maximise MCIL and facilitate move on accommodation;

(ii)  the updating and streamlining of the sheltered housing assessment criteria;

(iii)  delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Customer Services in consultation with the Housing Portfolio Member to authorise the inclusion of sheltered housing stock in MCIL subject to satisfactory further consultation with that client group;

(iv)  delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Customer Services in consultation with the Executive Portfolio Holder (Deputy Leader) to authorise the inclusion of further supported accommodation following further consultation with Adult and Community Services,

(v)  to allow applicants who require smaller accommodation due to changes in circumstances the right to retain their waiting time;

(vi)  that special schemes client group be considered through MCIL; and

(vii)  that the effective date of homeless acceptances cases be amended to the date of homeless application case taken.