Decision

Five properties will be let to qualifying
qualifying ARP families outside of the Council’s Allocations policy and are intended to provide accommodation for ARP households. If, however, a home becomes available after three years, it can be used to support local authority housing and homeless responsibilities. If the home is sold, the receipt should be returned to the government.
In order to allocate the five properties outside of the Council’s Housing Allocations policy, the following are required:
1.a minor amendment to the policy exemptions; and
2.the following wording inserted in accordance with the Full Council resolution of 21/04/26:
The properties will initially be allocated outside of this Allocation Scheme and the Choice Based Lettings process, following assessment by the Council’s Resettlement Team. Afghan households will be given an introductory tenancy leading to a secure tenancy.
A minor amendment must be made to the Council’s Housing Allocation policy (see below).

Reasons for the decision

In 2025 the Council successfully bid for Government Local Authority Housing Fund Round 4 monies to secure five additional properties to add to its housing stock to help Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP) households who are currently homeless, at risk of homelessness or living in UK transitional accommodation.
A minor amendment must be made to the Council’s Housing Allocation policy to reflect the Executive recommendation (made 14/4/26) and the resolution of Full Council (made 21/4/26). Both committees approved a budget of £3,335,600 to be added to the capital programme, £1,527,344 of which is LAHF Round 4 funding, to bring forward six decent and affordable homes, five of which are to be used for families on the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP) and one for homelessness prevention.

Alternative options considered

MUST be completed / actions explained. If there are no alternative options, state 'None'.
None