Purpose

To seek Executive approval
in principle of the proposed North Northamptonshire Keyways Housing
Allocations Scheme following a full and comprehensive review and
permission to proceed with a six-week consultation with service
users and stakeholders. After which, the results will be presented
back to the Executive for the final Scheme to be considered and
ratified. .
 

Content

RESOLVED
 
KEY DECISION
 

That the Executive:

 

i)  Approved the proposed Keyways Housing
Allocations Scheme (Appendix
A) and other supporting
papers; and

 

ii)  Approved the commencement of a six-week
consultation with service users and stakeholders on the proposed
changes to the Scheme.

 

For the purposes of Section 3
(Recommendations); a summary of the proposed changes
are:

1. All applicants with no housing
need will no longer qualify to join the Scheme. (Removal of
relevant criteria in Band D and removal of Band E)

2. All homeowners will no longer
qualify to join the Scheme. (Removal of Band E)

3. Care experienced young persons
who are accommodated and ready to move to independent living where
the council is the corporate parent will be awarded a Band A and
all other care leavers will be awarded a Band D

4. Adults being accommodated by
the councils Adult Social Care service and ready to move to
independent living will be awarded a Band A.

5. Domestic abuse victims with a
connection to North Northamptonshire will be awarded a Band A and
all other victims will be awarded a Band D (unless a homeless duty
applies)

6. An additional overcrowding
criterion will be introduced in Band A to address cases of severe
overcrowding (lacking two+ bedrooms)

7. Single and couple households
will qualify to bid on up to one-bedroom properties
only.

8. Autobid areas increased from
four to five areas to reflect the geographical size of the former
East Northamptonshire area.

9. Autobid enabled for all
households in supported accommodation to improve move on flow and
prevent bed blocking.

10. Increase weekly bids from
three to five for all applicants.

 

 

Reason for Recommendations: To
ensure that North Northamptonshire Council

continues to deliver a lawful
Scheme in accordance with Part 6 Housing Act 1996 (as amended) and
remains fit for purpose taking into consideration emerging local
needs.

 

Alternative Options
Considered: Option 1 (not
recommended): Do not make
any changes to the Scheme (meaning a six-week consultation is not
necessary). This is not recommended; the Scheme should be reviewed
as best practise and to incorporate changing regulation, housing
demand and pressures.