Executive considered a detailed report presented by the Portfolio Holder for Housing in relation to the Council’s Tenancy Strategy which had been reviewed and updated.
The Tenancy Strategy 2024-2029 provided a framework for how social rented housing was provided in the District - it also linked with the Council’s Housing Allocations Policy and Homelessness Code of Guidance, and outlined the Council’s position on the following social housing reforms:
· Affordable Rent
· Flexible Fixed term Tenancies
· Discharge of Homelessness Duty by offer of accommodation in the private rented sector
· Mutual exchanges
· Succession Rights.
Amendments had been made to the Strategy to keep in line with current legislation and local changes.
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 is responsible for implementation and how the Strategy will be monitored/updated
· Expectations of Registered Providers
· A glossary of terms
In addition, the statistical data embedded in the Strategy had also been updated.
Registered Providers holding stock within the District had been consulted and given the opportunity to comment on the revised draft, and Customer Service Scrutiny Committee had also reviewed the revised Strategy. An updated Equality Impact Assessment would be carried out as part of the review.
Moved by Councillor Sandra Peake and seconded by Councillor John Ritchie
RESOLVED that the proposed amendments be approved and the refreshed Tenancy Strategy 2024-2029 be adopted.
Reasons for Recommendation
The Council was required to produce a Tenancy Strategy as per the Localism Act 2011, and to keep said document under regular review.
Scrutiny on the development of the revised strategy for 2024-2029 forms a core role of the Customer Services Scrutiny Committee.
Alternative Options and Reasons for Rejection
An alternative option would be not to review the Tenancy Strategy, however, as the current strategy was outdated, this option was rejected due to the fact that the Council would not be fulfilling its legal duty.