Decision Maker: Housing Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: July 24, 2025

Purpose:

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.