Issue - meetings

That:

·       Committee to review, provide comment if required and agree the recommended changes to the council’s Housing Allocations Policy for adoption. 

The committee considered the outcome of the public consultation on proposed changes to the Housing Allocations Policy.

The Lead Officer outlined that the Housing Allocations Policy governs how social and affordable rented accommodation is allocated through the housing register. Members were advised that, following approval by the General Public Services Committee, a six-week public consultation had been undertaken, which closed on 26 August 2025. The consultation had generated significantly higher engagement than previous exercises, with over 150 responses received, and overall support for the proposed changes.

Members welcomed the improved level of engagement and expressed support for the principle of updating the policy. Particular discussion focused on the provisions relating to serving and former armed forces personnel. Members acknowledged the importance of recognizing service to the country, while also balancing the needs of households in temporary accommodation, victims of domestic abuse and other high priority applicants.

Concerns were raised that Band C priority for some armed forces applicants may not adequately reflect exceptional circumstances, particularly for those with a strong local connection prior to service or those who had sustained serious injury. Reference was made to approaches adopted by other authorities. Officers advised that Band B was primarily reserved for households in urgent housing need, including those owed the main homelessness duty, and that any change to banding could have implications for those applicants. Officers confirmed that the current proposal reflected consultation responses and officer recommendation, but that further review could be undertaken.

Members also discussed wording within the policy relating to scheduled home visits required to verify application prior to an offer of accommodation. Concern was expressed that the proposed wording could be overly rigid in cases where applicants were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. Officers advised that this wording could be amended to allow reasonable flexibility without requiring further consultation.

The following changes were agreed unanimously:

·         Section 2.2.2 – Armed Forces Exemptions.

o   The inclusion of “Adult children of serving Armed Forces members who need to move out of family accommodation provided by the Ministry of Defence.”

·         Section 3.7 Home Visits

o   A customer may be visited at their home prior to an offer to confirm their circumstances. Visits can be scheduled, requested at short notice, or conducted unannounced. If a customer is unavailable for a scheduled visit, the accommodation offer could be subject to reconsideration. If a customer does not have any settled accommodation, a visit may be made to the address provided on the application form. These visits are essential, with access granted to all areas of the property as part of this verification process. Whilst having regard to the Council’s adherence to the relevant Nominations Agreement, Officers commit to providing any customer with reasonable opportunity to facilitate a scheduled home visit before any offer of accommodation could be reconsidered.

·         It was also agreed by Members that the council’s Strategic Housing Manager would bring a report to a subsequent Policy and Resources Committee that will consider the award of a Band B priority  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6