The Cabinet (Housing) Committee of Stockport Council met on Wednesday 17 September 2025. The committee was scheduled to review a revised Housing Allocation Policy, progress on homelessness and housing need within the borough, and receive an update on the Stockport Homes Delivery Plan outcomes for 2024-25.

Housing Allocation Policy Review

The committee was to consider the proposed new Council's Housing Allocation Policy, which includes several amendments from the 2021 review. These changes aim to address government announcements, new guidance for armed forces personnel, victims of domestic violence, and care leavers, and to maximise the use of empty properties in response to growing demand and reducing supply. Key proposed changes include an increased focus on tackling fraud, priority for applicants with children residing with them permanently, and an increase in direct offers to resolve homeless cases. The policy also proposes greater flexibility for those with past rent arrears, changes to age restriction waivers for age-restricted properties, and an income threshold for social housing eligibility. Additional priority would be given to bereaved spouses/partners of armed forces personnel, and to those experiencing delayed discharges from hospital and care homes. The policy also adjusts the age criteria for children at height priority and removes automatic eligibility for accommodation following relationship breakdowns in council tenancies. Local connection criteria have been extended to include those with a homeless duty, fleeing domestic violence, eligible care leavers, and armed forces applicants. A single review process for allocation decisions would be implemented, and the approach to local lettings policies would be strengthened.

Homelessness and Housing Need

The committee was to receive a progress report on homelessness and housing need in the borough, noting a significant increase in homelessness presentations. The report highlighted the growing reliance on temporary accommodation, including hotels, with associated escalating costs. The Out of Borough Placement Pilot, designed to fulfil the Council's homeless duties by offering suitable accommodation outside of Stockport, was also to be reviewed. While the pilot has successfully discharged homelessness duties for nine households, challenges remain, including limited staffing capacity, affordability constraints in the private rented sector, and variable property standards. The report recommended continuing the out-of-borough placement approach, recognising its potential to reduce reliance on costly temporary accommodation and provide more sustainable long-term solutions for homeless households.

Stockport Homes Delivery Plan Outcomes Report 2024-25

The committee was to consider the Stockport Homes Delivery Plan Outcomes Report for 2024-25. This report provides assurance that Stockport Homes Group (SHG) is delivering against its agreed objectives and demonstrates the outcomes from its wide range of services. The report details SHG's performance across six key aims: delivering excellent customer service, providing safe and sustainable homes, contributing to a fairer Stockport, maximising resource impact, working collaboratively, and being an inclusive employer. The report noted successes and challenges, including an independent review by Deloitte which concluded SHG is a high-performing organisation offering value for money. It also highlighted areas within the borough with lower satisfaction levels and weaker performance, which SHG plans to address through deep dives and reporting to Area Committees. The report also mentioned preparations for the introduction of Awaab's Law, which mandates social landlords to address damp, mould, and emergency repairs within strict timeframes.