Purpose

Following consultation on the Allocation Policy, which
determines how the Council allocates social housing via nomination
requests it receives from Registered Providers, the amended policy
is now being taken back to Executive Cabinet for final sign-off
following July’s Overview and Scrutiny.

Content

The Cabinet considered a report of the
Director of Economy and Place, which sought approval of the new
Housing Allocation Policy for the Borough of Rochdale.
 
The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and
Housing delivered a brief summary of the
report’s key points.
 
The Principal Officer (People) was in
attendance to present the information and to address the questions
and the comments of the Cabinet Members.
 
The Officers informed that the new
policy had considered extensive housing data on supply, demand and
waiting times, the current housing register and prospects of
applicants being housed, results from the substantial consultation
and engagement sessions and Counsel’s advice.
 
The Officer continued informing that
the proposed strategy was aligned with the wider homelessness
strategy. A six-month lead-in period would be provided prior to
implementation, during which affected individuals would be informed
of the forthcoming policy changes. Communications would be shared
with Overview and Scrutiny and Cabinet Members in advance of any
public dissemination, ensuring coordinated messaging and
stakeholder engagement.
 
Members discussed the support available
to individuals transitioning out of housing need over a two-year
period. It was confirmed that assistance would be provided through
wider services, including access to private rented accommodation,
with financial support offered via bonds and advance payments. This
support was specifically targeted at those being removed from the
housing needs register. The importance of enhanced support for
carers was acknowledged, with reference to new policy developments
and revised banding aimed at improving outcomes for
care-experienced individuals. In response to growing demand, the
potential for partner organisations to convert properties to
accommodate larger families was raised, alongside encouragement for
new housing developments. Concerns were expressed regarding
applicants in Bands D and E who did not present housing needs, and
a more holistic approach to their circumstances. The establishment
of the Housing Solutions office on Smith Street was highlighted as
a key initiative, alongside significant preventative work.
Additionally, a £25 million investment over five years was
noted, aimed at enabling both developers and the council to
accelerate housing delivery.
 
Resolved:

1.   
That the new Housing Allocation Policy be agreed and
adopted;

2.   
That any future changes to the policy that are not major, be
delegated for approval to the Director of Economy and Place in
consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and
Housing.
 
Reason for decision:
The policy reflected the significant
housing need in the borough, of which the Council has a statutory
duty to prioritise, the notable increase in homelessness
presentations, the large number of applicants in temporary and
supported accommodation and the significant reduction in available
social housing lets.
 
The new policy approach would assist
the Council to provide a fair and honest housing scheme which is
fit for purpose, to support those in most need by providing a more
bespoke and managed service,, to meet its statutory duties and make
best use of its nomination rights to available accommodation in the
borough, to provide an open and honest alternative pathway for
those without a housing need, to support a true housing options
service for all applicants, aligned with the Connected Services
model and the services provided by the Housing Solutions Hub, to
strengthen the Council’s approach to prevention and
homelessness legislative requirements and to target resources where
they are most needed.
 
The policy had been drafted following
comprehensive consultation with those directly affected by the new
policy approach, Elected Members and numerous other stakeholders,
including housing and homelessness professionals, Registered
Providers (of social housing), 3rd sector organisations, staff
across interlinked Council and the general public.
 
The draft also took in to account the
legal advice given by Counsel of a leading public sector barristers
chambers.
 
The draft Housing Allocation Policy was
taken to the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 4th March
2025 and then Cabinet on 18th March to gain permission to consult
with Registered Providers. Feedback from the consultation had
assisted to formulate this draft of the policy, before it was taken
to back to Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 22nd July 2025 for
further consideration resulting in further minor modifications.
 
Alternatives considered and
rejected:
Continuing with the current policy was
not fit for purpose and its approach was not a viable option
in order for the Council to meet its statutory
duties.