The purpose of the report is to seek Cabinet approval in respect of proposed changes to the Social Housing Allocation Policy (SHAP) attached as Appendix 1 to the report. 

The Partnership and Integration Manager Housing presented a report that was looking to seek Cabinet approval in respect of proposed changes to the Social Housing Allocation Policy (SHAP) attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

She advised that there was a statutory requirement for every housing authority to have a Housing Allocation Scheme for determining priorities and a procedure to be followed in allocating housing accommodation. The current SHAP was approved by Cabinet in late 2014.

The Partnership and Integration Manager Housing advised that there were 4 RSL’s in Bridgend who were party to the SHAP and the Common Housing Register, and these were V2C, Linc Cymru, Hafod and Wales and the West Housing Association.

She referred Cabinet to paragraphs 4. of the report, and the fact that the local authority and its partner RSL’s, had recently re-evaluated the effectiveness of the SHAP, and had considered additional procedures to take account of, and formalise, requirements of the Housing Act 1996 and the Code of Guidance for Local Authorities on Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness 2015.

The reasons for making changes to the SHAP were itemised in this section of the report, and the Partnership and Integration Manager outlined each of these for the benefit of Members.

She then confirmed that the four RSL’s in Bridgend had been consulted, and had approved the recommended amendments proposed for the SHAP.

As a Board Member of V2C a Member welcomed the introduction of a 3^rd Band, and felt that this would lead to improved joint working between the Council and its RSL partners, as well as giving more flexibility to tenants who are seeking a certain type of housing accommodation, i.e. appropriate in size to cater for their specific needs.

Another Member noted the high demand for 1 bed and single occupancy accommodation and hoped that this would continue to be addressed. He added also of the need to tackle with RSL partners, the need to ensure empty homes are wherever possible occupied.

RESOLVED:                  That Cabinet approved the amended Social Housing Allocation Policy (SHAP) attached as Appendix 1 to the report, in particular the creation of a new Band C for rehousing applicants assessed as having no housing need:

·         Who are willing to reside in an area of low demand, or

Who meet the requirements of a Local Lettings Policy