Issue - meetings

The Housing Strategy and Development Officer presented the report to the Committee.

The Tenancy Strategy was adopted in 2013 and last reviewed in 2018; it was due for further renewal.  It outlined the Council’s position on the following:

·       Affordable Rent;

·       Flexible Fixed term Tenancies;

·       Discharge of Homelessness Duty by offer of accommodation in the private rented sector;

·       Mutual exchanges; and,

·       Succession Rights.

Under review, amendments had been identified.  Key wording included:

·       Changes to Mutual Exchange as a result of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and revised Consumer Regulations by Regulator of Social Housing;

·       Greater clarity on the scope of the Tenancy Strategy and the national and local legislative framework;

·       Updated Principles as a result of changes to the Council’s Corporate Plan;

·       Clarification as to who was responsible for implementation and how the Strategy would be monitored/updated;

·       Expectations of Registered Providers; and,

·       A glossary of terms.

Attached at Appendix 1 was a revised draft of the Tenancy Strategy 2024-2029.  This considered the changes in legislation and sought to learn from best practice elsewhere.  Attached at Appendix 2 was the current Tenant Strategy 2018 for comparison.

Moved by Councillor Rita Turner and seconded by Councillor Louise Fox

RESOLVED that the Customer Services Scrutiny Committee note the proposed amendments to the Tenancy Strategy and provide feedback where necessary.

Approved by Councillor Sandra Peake, Portfolio Holder for Housing