Decision

1. 1

The Committee considered a report which sought approval of Sheffield City Council's new Tenancy Policy.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy Committee:-

a)    Note the outcome of the public consultation.

b)    Approve the new Sheffield Tenancy Policy.

c)    Delegate authority to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Chair of Housing Policy Committee, to make any necessary minor amendments required to reflect legislative, regulatory, organisational or administrative changes which take effect prior to the next full review of the Tenancy Strategy by the Housing Policy Committee.

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

The new Tenancy Policy provided the Council’s first single approved operational framework for tenancy management. It would bring together relevant legislation, approved Council policy and current operational practice, enabling the Council to demonstrate clear compliance with its statutory duties and the Regulator of Social Housing’s Tenancy Standard, including the requirement to publish clear and accessible policies on tenancy management. It would also ensure tenancy decisions are made consistently, transparently and within a robust, accountable framework.

1. 3.2

The Policy would strengthen governance and regulatory assurance, improve clarity for tenants, Members, officers and support fair tenancy management, tenancy sustainment and the effective use of social housing across the city.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

Continue without introducing a single approved Tenancy Policy.

Rejected because tenancy practice would continue to rely on legislation, separate procedures and dispersed operational guidance, making it harder to demonstrate clear governance and consistent, transparent and accountable decision-making. The Regulator of Social Housing’s Tenancy Standard sets expectations for social landlords to publish clear and accessible policies setting out their approach to tenancy management. A single formally approved Tenancy Policy therefore provides stronger governance, accountability and regulatory assurance and helps the Council demonstrate alignment with these expectations.