Issue - meetings

Report of Assistant Director Wellbeing and Housing

Purpose of report

To seek approval to consult on a new Housing Allocations Scheme

Recommendations

The Executive resolves:

1.1         To approve the commencement of public consultation on the reviewed and amended Housing Allocations Scheme.

1.2         To approve the changes to the previously agreed approach, of allocating properties that are delivered through Oxford's Unmet Housing Need. This will enable discussions and a potential agreement with Oxford City Council to progress. The approach outlined in this report is reflected in the new draft policy.

Resolved

(1)            That the commencement of public consultation on the reviewed and amended Housing Allocations Scheme be approved.

(2)            That changes to the previously agreed approach of allocating properties that are delivered through Oxford's Unmet Housing Need, whereby Cherwell District Council would allocate properties and administer the applications, be approved to enable discussions and a potential agreement with Oxford City Council to progress and it be noted that the revised approach is reflected in the new draft policy.

The Assistant Director Wellbeing and Housing submitted a report to seek approval to consult on a new Housing Allocations Scheme.

In considering the report, Members expressed support for the Scheme noting it would be better for Cherwell District Council to allocate and administer applications.

Resolved

(1)          That the commencement of public consultation on the reviewed and amended Housing Allocations Scheme be approved.

(2)          That changes to the previously agreed approach of allocating properties that are delivered through Oxford's Unmet Housing Need, whereby Cherwell District Council would allocate properties and administer the applications, be approved to enable discussions and a potential agreement with Oxford City Council to progress and it be noted that the revised approach is reflected in the new draft policy.

Reasons

It is important that the Council has up to date policies and procedures for its statutory and key service areas and it is important that they are legislatively and operationally sound. A periodic review of policies is therefore appropriate.

Alternative options

Option 1: Not bring forward a new Allocations Scheme. This is rejected as it is important that the Council has Policies that are up to date with legislation and can respond to current challenges.

Option 2: Continue discussions with Oxford City regarding the previously agreed approach to allocating the unmet need properties. Both Councils have been working to deliver the agreed solution, and delivery of this may be possible. However, this is rejected as there is a concern that the approach may not be legally sound, so to continue is not considered prudent, and thus an alternative has been suggested.