Decision details

Approval to commence consultation on proposed changes to the council’s lettings framework, including the lettings policy and community lettings policies.

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report setting out the changes arising from the Housing and Planning Bill, and the potential impact on the council’s Tenancy Strategy, housing management and lettings framework.

The report also sought approval to undertake consultation on proposals for changes to the council’s lettings framework, including the development of a tenant transfer list, a review of the lettings policy and a new approach to community lettings policies. Additionally, the report included an update on progress made with the harmonisation of tenancy management and support policies and procedures, which put a greater focus on the more intensive tenancy management and support to tenants, particularly at the start of the tenancy.

The Executive Member for Communities presented the report and highlighted the request to extend the life of the existing Tenancy Management Strategy pending receipt of further details of the Housing and Planning Bill from Central Government. In receiving the report, the Board welcomed the ‘tenancy training’ provision.

RESOLVED

a)  That approval be given for the development of a Council response to the changes set out in the Housing and Planning Bill, and the potential impact on Housing Leeds.

b)  That approval be given for the extension of the council’s current Tenancy Strategy to 31 March 2017 and the Director of Environment and Housing be requested to submit a further report on the implications of the Housing and Planning Bill along with proposed changes to the Tenancy Strategy in September 2016;

c)  That the consultation plan set out in section 4 of the submitted report on changes to the council’s lettings framework be approved;

d)  That a further report setting out the results of the consultation exercise, an equality impact assessment and seeking approval for the implementation of a revised Lettings Policy be presented to the Executive Board in September 2016

Consultation plan as outlined in the report to Executive Board

Consultation will include tenants and residents, applicants on Leeds Housing Register, tenant groups, elected members, Registered Providers and support agencies.