Decision details

(Report of Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health)

The report summarised the implications of the introduction of Homelessness Reduction Act and the new duties placed on Councils to prevent and relieve homelessness which, combined with the increase in demand on temporary accommodation and growing pressure on social housing, had necessitated a review of all housing options for those approaching the Council as homeless or threatened with homelessness.  It was noted that Legislation allowed the Council to discharge its homeless duties into the private sector and that work had been progressed in respect of the Council’s offer to landlords to encourage them to work with the Authority.  It was anticipated that this would increase the supply of affordable and decent housing in which to place homeless households.  To ensure compliance with legislation the Council was required to have in place a Discharge of Duty into the Private Rented Sector Policy.  The report advised that there were no immediate financial implications of adopting the Policy.  It was hoped that having more private rented homes into which the duty could be discharged together with a wider pool of housing options would increase opportunities to prevent homelessness, which would be a more cost effective approach.

Following consideration by the Communities and Housing Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Housing resolved that:

The Discharge into the Private Rented Sector Policy be approved.