To present to Cabinet the Housing Succession and Assignment Policy for consideration and adoption.

RESOLVED that Cabinet -

(a)     formally adopts the Housing Succession and Assignment Policy, as set out in Appendix A to the report (A.3), for implementation;

(b)     authorises the Corporate Director (Operations and Delivery) to make future updates or amendments to the policy, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder responsible for Housing; and

(c)     requires that this Policy will be reviewed every three years.

Cabinet considered a report of the Housing & Planning Portfolio Holder (A.3) whichpresented to Cabinet the Housing Succession and Assignment Policy for consideration and adoption.

It was reported that this policy formalised the work that was already undertaken in the Housing and Environmental Health service. This work was in compliance with the legal framework associated with succession and assignment applications and assisted the Council in meeting the Regulator of Social Housing’s Consumer Standards as well as the requirements and recommendations of the Housing Ombudsman.

Cabinet was informed that the purpose of the Housing Succession and Assignment Policy was to ensure tenancy succession and assignment applications were dealt with in accordance with legislation and statutory guidance.

The policy outlined the appeals process if a succession or assignment request was not granted and that the Council would always aim to prevent homelessness and would take appropriate measures to prevent someone becoming homeless where it was not possible for them to succeed to a tenancy.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing & Planning made the following statement at the meeting:-

“Leader, I am pleased to introduce the Housing Succession & Assignment Policy for Cabinet to consider and approve for adoption.

The policy formalises the work that is already undertaken in the Housing and Environment service and is in compliance with the legal framework associated with succession and assignment applications and assists the Council in meeting the Regulator of Social Housing’s Consumer Standards as well as the requirements and recommendations of the Housing Ombudsman.

The purpose of the Housing Succession and Assignment Policy is to ensure tenancy succession and assignment applications are dealt with in accordance with legislation and statutory guidance.

The policy outlines the appeals process if a succession or assignment request is not granted and the Council will always aim to prevent homelessness and will take appropriate measures to prevent someone becoming homeless where it is not possible for them to succeed a tenancy.

The policy applies to the Council’s secure tenancies.

Leader, the recommendations are on Page 107 of the Agenda, and I commend them to Cabinet.”

To ensure that the policy was appropriately adopted, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution and to evidence compliance with regulatory requirements:-

It was moved by Councillor Baker, seconded by Councillor Scott and:-

RESOLVED that Cabinet -

(a)     formally adopts the Housing Succession and Assignment Policy, as set out in Appendix A to the report (A.3), for implementation;

(b)     authorises the Corporate Director (Operations and Delivery) to make future updates or amendments to the policy, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder responsible for Housing; and

(c)     requires that this Policy will be reviewed every three years.