COUNCIL 18/12/2012 FOR INFORMATION
BOROUGH OF POOLE
OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
27th NOVEMBER 2012
JOINT TENANCY STRATEGY 2012 - 2015
PART OF THE PUBLISHED FORWARD PLAN YES
STATUS - STRATEGIC
- PURPOSE
1.1To update members onthe proposed Joint Tenancy Strategy following an 8 week consultation. The Strategy sets out guidance and principlesto be met by Registered Providers (housing associations) through their own Tenancy Policies.
- DECISION(S) REQUIRED
2.1To seek member recommendation to Cabinet and Council for approval of the Joint Tenancy Strategy in order that the Strategy can be adopted by January 2013.
- BACKGROUND/INFORMATION
3.1The Localism Act 2011 requires Housing Authorities to develop a tenancy strategy which sets out guidance and principles to be met by Registered Providers through their own Tenancy Policies. Providers will require tenancy policies in order to adopt fixed term tenancies and to operate the new affordable rent.
It is important to note that this Tenancy Strategy is not applicable to Borough of Poole tenancies managed by Poole Housing Partnership.
3.2From April 2012 Registered Providers have been able to set rents at ‘affordable rent’ levels and to allocate fixed term tenancies for a recommended minimum period of 5 years. The intention of the latter is to enable some degree of movement within the housing stock and to improve use of the social housing stock generally.
3.3In developing the Tenancy Strategy, account has also been taken of the impact of welfare reforms (in particular those relating to Local Housing Allowance) and the contractual requirements placed on Registered Providers by the Homes and Community Agency (HCA). The need to maintain affordability is a key driver for the strategy, which seeks to strike a crucial balance between the use of affordable rents and the requirement to meet local needs in a consistent manner.
3.4The Tenancy Strategy has been developed jointly with Poole and all 6 district councils. Bournemouth decided to produce theirown strategy. All major registered providers with stock in the area have also been part of the working group providing input into the joint strategy.These providers include for example Spectrum Housing Association, Synergy Aster Group, Radian and Raglan Housing Association
3.5Members previously considered the consultation edition of the Joint Tenancy Strategy at the Communities Overview and scrutiny Committee meeting held on 5th July 2013. The consultation period ended on 23rd October. There were some minor amendments made as a result of the consultation. These were made to provide better understanding and clarification. No significant changes were identified as a result of the consultation.
3.6Annual review and monitoring of the strategy will be led by the Dorset Housing Services Group.
- FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
4.1.There are no specific financial implications arising from this report.
- LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
5.1The Government has introduced a new form of tenure (fixed term tenancies) in order to support its aim that not all social housing should be for life. This clearly has implications for those accepting the new form of tenure and the strategy deals with some of these implications for example tenancy reviews and protection for vulnerable households.
5.2The Council would be in breach of the Localism Act if it fails to publish a tenancy strategy by the due date of January 2013.
6.EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS
6.1Older people in sheltered housing schemes or residents in specialist, supported or extra care schemes are protected by way of provisions in the Localism Act, guidance from the HCA or as part of the Tenancy Strategy. The equalities assessment identifies that the main issue relates to the use of affordable rents and the impact on low income households. Affordable rents are a requirement for new housing development and as part of tenancy conversion programmes, however Registered Providers are acutely aware of this issue and have help and guidance in place to support their tenants .
7.CONCLUSIONS
7.1Members are asked to recommend the Joint Tenancy Strategy 2012 – 2015 to Cabinet and Council for approval.
Report Author and Contact officer: Kerry RuffStrategic Housing and Private Sector Manager Ext 3495
Background Papers - Appendix 1 – Joint Tenancy Strategy 2012 - 2015