Decision Maker: Policy Review Committee, Cabinet, Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: October 16, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Decision   RESOLVED That Cabinet recommended the Housing Allocations Policy (Appendix 1) to Council for adoption as part of the council’s Policy Framework   Reasons for decision   1.     To seek Cabinet’s recommendation for the Housing Allocations Policy (Appendix 1) to go to Council for adoption. 2.     The main changes listed in Section 5 were presented to Policy Review Committee on 6th March 2025 and were well received, and were presented to Cabinet on 7th May 2025 when approval was sought to go out to public consultation. 3.     The Draft Policy was published as part of a public consultation and the results of the consultation were presented back to Policy Review Committee on 9th July. The consultation ran from 8th May to 19th June and the consultation feedback is included as an appendix to this report (appendix 3). 4.     There was 116 submitted responses to the public consultation. All key changes (as described in Section 5) were consulted upon. Each proposed change had a majority agreement (either strongly agree or agree) from the consultation feedback. 5.     It was pertinent to note that public feedback received regularly by the Housing Options team has also been considered when initially developing these changes. 6.     Following the public consultation, the revised Policy was now being brought back to Cabinet to seek their recommendation to Council to add the Policy to the Council’s Policy Framework.   Alternative Options Considered   Cabinet could decide not to recommend the Policy for Council’s approval which would mean the current Policy remains in place. This was not recommended as the updated Policy addresses updated housing needs and eligibility to allow the council to best manage limited social housing stock in the borough.