Content

9.1

The Committee considered a report of the
Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services which sought approval
from the Housing Policy Committee to consult with residents and
partners on the draft Allocations Policy and set out why the review
of the Allocations Policy was required and what the key differences
would be to the Council’s approach if adopted.

 

 

9.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the
Housing Policy Committee: -
 

(a) 
Approves the draft Allocations Policy, as set out in Appendix 1,
for consultation purposes and approves the launch of public
consultation;
 

(b) 
Agrees that the outcome of the consultation on the draft
Allocations Policy will be presented back to Housing Policy
Committee in early 2026;
 

(c) 
Agrees that a final draft of the Allocations Policy will be
presented back to the Housing Policy Committee in early 2026 for
consideration, approval and adoption;
 

(d) 
Notes that officers will review the procedures for managing single
offers of social housing and make recommendations to the Committee
in early 2026; and
 

(e) 
Notes that 12 months after the implementation of a final approved
Allocations Policy a review of its effectiveness will be undertaken
and thereafter reviews will occur annually.

 

 

 

 

9.3

Reasons for
Decision

 

 

9.3.1

The Housing Act 1996 (Part 6) requires that
the Council have a policy for the allocation of social housing.
Prior to making any decision regarding the options for the future
policy, engagement must be undertaken with a wide range of
stakeholders and customers. This is in accordance with Section
166A(13) of the Housing Act 1996.

 

 

9.3.2

Agreement on the approach outlined in the
report and feedback from the second consultation will enable
officers to progress the review and consider any revision
required.

 

 

9.4

Alternatives
Considered and Rejected

 

 

9.4.1

Alternative Option 1: Do nothing.
 

·      
The Council could choose to not review the Allocations Policy. Not
reviewing the policy would mean:

·      
That the Council would not be able to discharge legal duties owed
in a timely manner.

·      
Vulnerable households in acute housing need would not be
prioritised for all social housing in the city.

·      
That financial pressures the Council faces in providing expensive
accommodation would not reduce through the allocation of available
social housing.

·      
Adapted properties would be allocated to households not needing
those adaptations and other properties adapted.

·      
Properties would be allocated to households with more bedrooms than
we need to.

·      
That the Council would be at risk of legal challenge.

 

 

9.4.2

Alternative Option 2: Minimal changes to
ensure the Policy is lawful.
 

·      
This would resolve the issues of legal challenge, but the broader
issues highlighted in this report would remain. In particular:

·      
The Council would not be able to discharge legal duties owed in a
timely manner.

·      
OPIL properties would continue to be allocated to households where
a person is under 60.

·      
Adapted properties would be allocated to households not needing
those adaptations and other properties adapted.

 

 

9.4.3

Alternative Option 3: A closed Housing
Register
 

·      
Whilst this would be the most efficient way to ensure all
allocations of social homes in Sheffield support the objective of
meeting housing need, this option was not supported by all
respondents to the consultation, and it would detract from the
principle that social housing should be available to a wider range
of applicants. It is anticipated that the preferred option will
allow the Council to fulfil the objectives of this review, but this
will be closely monitored, and a closed register remains an option
available to the Council in future.