Decision

RESOLVED: that Cabinet: 

a)     Approved the Private Rented Sector Discharge Policy 

b)     Noted that the Policy may require amendment during implementation or future review, with authority for such changes delegated by the Council’s Constitution to the Director of Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities. 

REASON FOR RESOLUTION:

a)     To ensure the Council can meet its statutory homeless duties more effectively by making appropriate use of the private-rented sector in the context of limited social housing supply and increased demand. 

b)     To promote timely access to suitable accommodation, reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, and support the sustainable and efficient use of housing resources while managing expectations around access to social housing. 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

Option 1: Do nothing (keep current approach) 
There would continue to be strong reliance or discharging homelessness duty through social housing or extended use of temporary accommodation. This would not address supply constraints, rising costs, or increasing demand, and would risk continued pressure on budgets and services. 

Option 2: Introduce a Private Rented Sector Discharge Policy 
Adopting a formal policy would enable the Council to discharge its homelessness duty through suitable offers of accommodation in the private rented sector, in line with legislation and subject to suitability criteria. This would increase flexibility, reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, improve throughput, and support more sustainable use of housing resources. 

Option 3: Partial or restricted application of PRS discharge powers 
This would limit PRS discharge to specific household types or circumstances. While offering some flexibility, this would reduce overall impact and limit the Council’s ability to respond effectively to system pressures. 

The second option, to introduce a Private Rented Sector Discharge Policy, is the recommended approach.