Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

The Council and settle housing share a Common Housing Allocation Scheme (CHAS), which sets out who can apply for affordable housing in the district and how it is allocated.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

(1)   Approved the updated Common Housing Allocation Scheme.

(2)   Delegated to the Director of Housing and Environmental Health in conjunction with the Executive Member for Housing and Environmental Health, the power to make minor amendments to the Common Housing Allocation Scheme from time to time and to agree the date for its commencement.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To update the Common Housing Allocation Scheme (CHAS), to ensure that scarce affordable housing in the district continues to be prioritised for households in the greatest need. Also to ensure that the CHAS remains up-to-date following changes in the policy environment and working practices.

Audio recording – 9 minutes 24 seconds

Councillor Sean Prendergast, Executive Member for Housing and Environmental Health, presented the report entitled ‘Update to Common Housing Allocation Scheme’ and advised that:

·       The changes were to ensure that the Council provided affordable, safe and suitable housing to those residents in most need.

·       There had been a re-evaluation of the criteria of terms and eligibility required.

·       The major changes would bring North Herts Council broadly into line with other local authorities and these were highlighted in section 8.3 of the report.

·       The changes made were fair overall and highlighted the essential need for more affordable housing not only in the district, but in the whole country.

·       The Local Plan would ensure that North Herts Council provided 40% of affordable housing on developments in the district.

Councillor Prendergast wanted to record his thanks to everyone in the housing team, with particular thanks to Tiranan Straughan, for the excellent work carried out in the production of this report.

Councillor Sean Prendergast proposed and Councillor Keith Hoskins seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

(1)   Approved the updated Common Housing Allocation Scheme.

(2)   Delegated to the Director of Housing and Environmental Health in conjunction with the Executive Member for Housing and Environmental Health, the power to make minor amendments to the Common Housing Allocation Scheme from time to time and to agree the date for its commencement.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To update the Common Housing Allocation Scheme (CHAS), to ensure that scarce affordable housing in the district continues to be prioritised for households in the greatest need. Also to ensure that the CHAS remains up-to-date following changes in the policy environment and working practices.