Decision

RESOLVED to:

I.               Approve the minor amendments to the allocations policy in appendix 1, as follows:

                         i.         A minor change to wording in the existing policy about the ‘prevention duty’ in three paragraphs.

                       ii.         The introduction of a new paragraph to reflect changes introduced in July 2025.

II.              Agree the next steps to undertake a further review of the Allocations policy for the following reason(s):

                         i.         To ensure we have a clear and robust Allocations Policy.

                       ii.         To ensure legal and regulatory compliance

                      iii.         To ensure we have effective governance of the Allocations Policy

                     iv.         To ensure best use of the housing register

Reasons for the decision

The council’s current Allocation Policy was approved in June 2021. The policy has been reviewed by the newly appointed Head of Housing Solutions.

As a consequence, there is a requirement now, as a matter of urgency, to agree some minor wording amendments to the existing policy to ensure that the council’s Allocation policy remains legally and statutorily compliant.

As well amending some of the original wording in the policy there is a need to introduce a section to reflect changes made to homelessness regulations by Central Government dating back to December 2024.

Alternative options considered

None.