Purpose

The purpose of this report is
to seek approval for the implementation of the proposed changes to
the Private Rented Sector Guarantor Scheme rules, to better
facilitate access to the private rented sector to applicants owed a
homelessness duty.
 

Decision

That the
Executive Director (Regeneration and Economic Development) in
consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic
Development hereby:
 

(i)           
Approves the proposed amendments to the Private
Rented Sector Guarantor Scheme including increasing the existing
rental guarantee to six times the monthly rent of the property and
offering landlords an incentive payment equal to an additional 10%
of the local housing allowance.
 

(ii)         
Notes the amendments to the established processes
within the scheme which are designed to make the scheme more
efficient and better facilitate access to Private Rented Sector
Accommodation.
 

Alternative options considered

Not to make any
changes to the scheme rules: This has been considered and rejected,
because whilst the scheme has been successful in facilitating
access to private rented accommodation the numbers being helped are
low.  Access to the private rented
sector is now even more competitive than it was almost four years
ago therefore changes to the scheme rules are deemed necessary to
ensure it is attractive to landlords and lettings agents to accept
homeless applicants as tenants.
 
Close the scheme:
This option was considered and rejected.  Having undertaken a review of the impact of the
scheme it has been established that being able to facilitate access
to private rented accommodation has a beneficial outcome for
homeless applicants and helps the Council to successfully discharge
its statutory homelessness function.