| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| SH 12/029 |
Declarations of interest. |
Councillor Mrs Luck declared an interest in any items relating to tenants in receipt of housing benefit due to her position as a private landlord. Councillor N Heslop declared an interest in any items that might have implications for the Bridge trust on the grounds that he was a member of its Board. |
| SH 12/030 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Strategic Housing Advisory Board held on 28 May 2012 be approved as correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| SH 12/031 |
Glossary |
The Director of Health and Housing submitted a glossary of terms used within the reports to the Advisory Board. |
| SH 12/032 |
Presentation by Marion Money, National Landlords Association |
Members received a presentation from Marion Money, Kent representative for the National Landlords Association, which represented private sector landlords and promoted partnership working with local authorities. |
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| SH 12/033 |
Housing Assistance Policy Decision Notice D120094MEM |
The joint report of the Director of Health and Housing and the Cabinet Member for Housing gave details of proposed changes to the existing Housing Assistance policy to reflect the fact that the South Coast Moneyline loan scheme had not progressed. The proposed changes broadened the eligible works of the Warm Homes Assistance and extended that scheme to accredited landlords. It was anticipated that the introduction of the Falls Prevention Assistance scheme would reduce health inequalities and meet the community's health needs. RECOMMENDED: That the changes to the Council's Housing Assistance Policy, as detailed in the report, be approved. |
| SH 12/034 |
Housing Strategy 2012-2015 Decision Notice D120095MEM |
The joint report of the Director of Health and Housing and the Cabinet Member for Housing highlighted the key priorities contained within the draft Housing Strategy 2012-2015 and set out details of the timetable and arrangements for consultation with partners and stakeholders and with the general public. RECOMMENDED: That the draft Housing Strategy 2012-2015, as set out at Annex 1 to the report, be endorsed for consultation purposes. |
| SH 12/035 |
Review of the Housing Allocations Scheme Decision Notice D120096MEM |
The joint report of the Director of Health and Housing and the Cabinet Member for Housing referred to the Council's duty under Part VI Housing Act 1996, (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002), to determine housing need in the borough and to produce an allocations scheme which explained how affordable housing was allocated to those in housing need. It was noted that the Localism Act 2011 allowed local housing authorities in England to consider major revisions to housing allocation schemes to reflect local needs. A supplementary joint report summarised the main changes to legislation and guidance arising from the Localism Act and set out details of the process for considering revisions to the Council's Housing Allocations Scheme. RECOMMENDED: That the measures to review and update the housing allocation scheme in accordance with the published statutory guidance, as set out in the supplementary report, be approved. |
| SH 12/036 |
Reform of Homelessness Legislation Decision Notice D120097MEM |
The joint report of the Director of Health and Housing and the Cabinet Member for Housing set out details of a provision in the Localism Act 2011 which would allow local authorities to offer accommodation in the private rented sector in order to discharge the duty to house homeless households. The report outlined the options available to discharge the duty to homeless households and proposed the introduction of a new private sector rehousing policy whereby, other than in exceptional circumstances, families accepted as homeless would be offered a private rented tenancy. In addition, an update was given on the consultation procedure in respect of the associated Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2012, which would provide guidance on and protection against the use of unsuitable property in the private rented sector. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the proposed policy change to discharge the housing duty owed to all accepted homeless households by way of an offer of suitable accommodation in the private rented sector, except in exceptional circumstances, be endorsed; (2) prior to implementation, the proposed policy be subject to a full equalities impact assessment and incorporated into the updated housing allocation scheme which will be subject to public consultation prior to a further report to the Advisory Board in respect of the proposed adoption of that scheme; and (3) concern be expressed to the appropriate Government Ministers that the proposed welfare benefit changes are at risk of undermining the Council's ability to meet its statutory duties to homeless households through the use of the private rented sector. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| SH 12/037 |
External Consultations |
The report set out details of the responses submitted regarding external consultations since the last meeting of the Advisory Board. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| SH 12/038 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
The Chairman moved, it was seconded and RESOLVED: That as public discussion would disclose exempt information, the following matter be considered in private. |
| PART 2 - PRIVATE | ||
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| SH 12/039 |
Service of Statutory Notices (Reason: LGA 1972 Sch 12A Para 3 - Financial or business affairs of any particular person) |
Members noted the statutory notices served since the last meeting of the Advisory Board on 28 May 2012. |