Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies made.

None

There were no declarations of interest made.

RESOLVED: The minutes of the meetings held on the held on the 9^th March 2022 were agreed as a true record.

There were no public statements made.

The Panel received a report outlining the Housing Allocation Policy Review.

To support the report, Dave Richmond, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster highlighted that once approved, the updated policy would be adopted by Doncaster Council. The Panel were then provided with more detail on each of the suggested changes made to the policy.

During discussion, the following areas were addressed by the Panel;

Consultation – Members were assured that the consultation process was robust enough to proceed with the suggested changes to the Housing Allocation Policy. The Panel were reminded that they had previously received a presentation detailing the methodology of the consultation process. It was also explained that along with the report, additional information was provided highlighting the types and numbers of organisations/individuals consulted with, and all the comments made by those who took part in the consultation. 

Exclusion of proposals – In response to a question it was explained that in section 15.5 of the report, following the consultation period, the responses were grouped into 4 main themes with some incorporated into the policy. The Panel understood that any proposals excluded from the refreshed report was due to the legal obligations within part 6 and 7 of the Housing Act.

Range of groups – It was explained that a wide range of groups were consulted with during the process which included;

·       Staffing groups within St Leger Homes,

·       Doncaster Council,

·       Organisations such as Crisis and Shelter,

·       Large sector of housing associations.

Members understood that the groups were consulted with, in a variety of ways such as during meetings, presentations and newsletters and it was felt that these methods of consultation had worked well.

It was advised, that the results of the consultation would be published on the web, within press releases and newsletters to groups, staff and stakeholders and direct contact would be made with active housing applicants. It was continued that along with the results of the consultation, myth-busting information would also be published to support the public’s understanding as to why the changes were necessary.

Numbers of responses – A Member commented that the percentages reported under point 15.2 of the report added up to 107%.  In response, it was advised that this was due to a typing error and that it would be duly amended.

It was clarified, that there were 866 responses to the consultation by individuals and that there were approximately 19,990 council properties, and around 50,000 tenants living within those properties.

A Member raised concern that 866 responses from 50,000 tenants appeared to be a poor response from a consultation point of view.  Members were advised that all council tenants were encouraged to participate and additional support was offered if required. It was explained that the consultation was advertised in a numbers of ways in an effort to engage with all tenants. It was added that those who had responded were likely to have had an active housing application during the consultation period and the figures were representative  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Senior Governance Officer presented the Overview and Scrutiny work plan and advised that the next meeting was scheduled for the 7^th December 2022.

In response to a question the Chair invited Members to put forward proposals for subject areas that the Panel may wish to look at.

A Member asked for confirmation as to whether the authority had a strategy about asylum seekers and the impact on communities.

Resolved; that the report be noted, and the Chair recommended that an update be provided through OSMC.