Agenda item

The report of the Director of Environment and Housing provides the Committee with an update on the Lettings Policy Review consultation.

(Report attached)

The report of the Director of Environment and Housing provided an update for the Committee on the consultation for the lettings policy review.

Housing Manager, Lettings and Tenancy Management attended the meeting.

Members were reminded that in February 2016, Executive Board agreed to commence consultation on proposed changes to Housing Leeds’ current lettings framework with a view to approving a revised policy in September/ October 2016.

The consultation commenced with two Elected Member sessions in early March 2016. This had been followed up by further consultation with local tenant and resident groups, statutory and voluntary sector partners and individual tenants and residents.

Members had been provided with information appended to the submitted report which listed property types across Leeds. Members were informed that work is currently being undertaken to provide more detailed information based at a ward level and that this information would be provided to Members shortly.

Members were asked to contact officers directly if they wished to discuss specifics on property types within their ward.

Members attention was drawn to point 13 of the submitted report which set out the drivers for change identified by Housing Leeds:

·  The majority of the LLPs had been in place for many years and whilst they had been periodically reviewed, there had been little or in some cases, no change.

·  They do not comply with equalities legislation leaving the council open to legal challenge based on discrimination.

·  They often rely on the judgement that tenancy behaviour is linked to age, rather than evidence.

·  There is inconsistent application of the policies with evidence that they restrict housing opportunities to younger people in some communities and result in concentrations in other areas.

In response to Members questions the Committee was informed that policies on Introductory Tenancy and Secure Tenancy were due to be reviewed in respect of the changes in the Housing and Planning Act.

Members informed that the lettings policy would still include:

·  Giving preference to tenants with a good tenancy record.

·  Conducting home visits to prospective applicants prior to making an offer.

·  Introducing pre tenancy training for 146 and 17 year olds, and applicants who are unable to demonstrate a good tenancy record.

·  Using our good neighbour criteria in areas with significant issues of anti-social and criminal behaviour.

Members were informed that home visits were proving to be helpful in gathering information about tenants and prospective tenants.

Members were also informed that a Tenant Fraud initiative was cutting down on sub-letting with three dedicated officers to address this issue. An update on Tenancy Fraud to be sent to Members.

Members informed that in addition to face to face consultation an online survey was available on the Council’s Talking Point portal, which had been promoted through the Leeds Homes flyer and website. 600 responses had been received via the Leeds Homes flyer. Other forms of consultation were via the tenant newsletter and social media.

Members discussed a number of issues including:

·  Property types

·  Where to house people who required specific support

·  Anti-social behaviour

·  Properties specifically designed for the elderly

·  The need to have a balance of ages within housing areas.

RESOLVED - Members of the Community Committee commented on the proposals set out in the lettings policy consultation.