Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: August 21, 2025

Purpose: Following consultation on the Allocation Policy, which determines how the Council allocates social housing via nomination requests it receives from Registered Providers, the amended policy is now being taken back to Executive Cabinet for final sign-off following July’s Overview and Scrutiny.

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place, which sought approval of the new Housing Allocation Policy for the Borough of Rochdale.   The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing delivered a brief summary of the report’s key points.   The Principal Officer (People) was in attendance to present the information and to address the questions and the comments of the Cabinet Members.   The Officers informed that the new policy had considered extensive housing data on supply, demand and waiting times, the current housing register and prospects of applicants being housed, results from the substantial consultation and engagement sessions and Counsel’s advice.   The Officer continued informing that the proposed strategy was aligned with the wider homelessness strategy. A six-month lead-in period would be provided prior to implementation, during which affected individuals would be informed of the forthcoming policy changes. Communications would be shared with Overview and Scrutiny and Cabinet Members in advance of any public dissemination, ensuring coordinated messaging and stakeholder engagement.   Members discussed the support available to individuals transitioning out of housing need over a two-year period. It was confirmed that assistance would be provided through wider services, including access to private rented accommodation, with financial support offered via bonds and advance payments. This support was specifically targeted at those being removed from the housing needs register. The importance of enhanced support for carers was acknowledged, with reference to new policy developments and revised banding aimed at improving outcomes for care-experienced individuals. In response to growing demand, the potential for partner organisations to convert properties to accommodate larger families was raised, alongside encouragement for new housing developments. Concerns were expressed regarding applicants in Bands D and E who did not present housing needs, and a more holistic approach to their circumstances. The establishment of the Housing Solutions office on Smith Street was highlighted as a key initiative, alongside significant preventative work. Additionally, a £25 million investment over five years was noted, aimed at enabling both developers and the council to accelerate housing delivery.   Resolved: 1.    That the new Housing Allocation Policy be agreed and adopted; 2.    That any future changes to the policy that are not major, be delegated for approval to the Director of Economy and Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing.   Reason for decision: The policy reflected the significant housing need in the borough, of which the Council has a statutory duty to prioritise, the notable increase in homelessness presentations, the large number of applicants in temporary and supported accommodation and the significant reduction in available social housing lets.   The new policy approach would assist the Council to provide a fair and honest housing scheme which is fit for purpose, to support those in most need by providing a more bespoke and managed service,, to meet its statutory duties and make best use of its nomination rights to available accommodation in the borough, to provide an open and honest alternative pathway for those without a housing need, to support a true housing options service for all applicants, aligned with the Connected Services model and the services provided by the Housing Solutions Hub, to strengthen the Council’s approach to prevention and homelessness legislative requirements and to target resources where they are most needed.   The policy had been drafted following comprehensive consultation with those directly affected by the new policy approach, Elected Members and numerous other stakeholders, including housing and homelessness professionals, Registered Providers (of social housing), 3rd sector organisations, staff across interlinked Council and the general public.   The draft also took in to account the legal advice given by Counsel of a leading public sector barristers chambers.   The draft Housing Allocation Policy was taken to the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 4th March 2025 and then Cabinet on 18th March to gain permission to consult with Registered Providers. Feedback from the consultation had assisted to formulate this draft of the policy, before it was taken to back to Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 22nd July 2025 for further consideration resulting in further minor modifications.   Alternatives considered and rejected: Continuing with the current policy was not fit for purpose and its approach was not a viable option in order for the Council to meet its statutory duties.