Agenda and minutes

There were no items on the agenda.

There were no declarations made.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th March, 2023 were agreed as a correct record, and signed by the Chair.

There were no members of the public in attendance and therefore no statements made.

The Panel gave consideration to a report outlining the Local Lettings Policy review undertaken by St Leger Homes of Doncaster.  The report presented set out 10 lettings policies that sat outside the main Housing Allocation Policy in place across the borough in the allocation of Council homes.

The Panel addressed the following issues during it’s discussion:

Consultation – In response to a question relating to how thoroughly the consultation had been undertaken, particularly the effectiveness of  face to face discussions, it was explained that in terms of Member engagement the consultation period had been extended ensuring all Members had maximum opportunity to engage.  Community and Member Ward meetings had been used to gain views of residents and Councillors.  Many Ad hoc meetings had also been held presenting the information to different groups and individuals.  The discussion also referenced section 14 of the report outlining consultation undertaken.

It was clarified that the newsletter, used as part of the consultation was not available in audio format, however if a person had, for example, a language barrier then reasonable arrangements would be put in place and a flag retained on file for any future contact.  It was again stressed that there had been many face to face meetings as part of the consultation process.

Banding priority – A Member questioned whether personal circumstances were taken into account when allocating a housing allocation band.  It was explained that the bidding order was the same as in the overarching allocations policy for each property type ensuring legal compliance.  The Local Lettings policies allowed the system administration to bypass people who either do not qualify or who do not meet the local priority order of the New Build Local Lettings Policy, not change the shortlisting order.

Securing reasonable preference for specific categories paragraph 9.1 of the report – A Member sought clarification on what was reasonable when an individual seeking housing had a whole range of needs, for many reasons.  In response it was explained that when someone made an application for housing a number of checks were undertaken and all decisions were evidence based, and the system could be bypassed to ensure need was met.  It was noted that priority was given to many applicants who fell within the following categories:

• Homeless persons, or person threatened with homelessness;

•  Persons occupying insanitary or overcrowding housing or otherwise living in unsatisfactory housing conditions;

• Persons who need to move on medical or welfare grounds; and

• Persons who need to move to a particular locality within the local authority’s area and a failure to meet that need would cause hardship to themselves or others.

In response to additional questions relating to protecting people within the protected characteristics, it was explained that when a client bids on a property they would already be placed in a band relating to their level of housing need and identified their priority and protective characteristics. 

It was explained that when properties were let, St Leger Homes was very honest about  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

A report was presented by St Leger Homes of Doncaster outlining ten proposed changes to the Council’s Pitch Allocations Policy for the four Gypsy and Traveller sites at Armthorpe, Long Sandall, Thorne and Sprotbrough.

The Panel was informed of the consultation undertaken with residents, active waiting list applicants, key stakeholders and Councillors through a number of mechanisms including social media and traditional methods for example, focus groups.  Through the Housing Development Officer, who has built good relationships within the community, face to face sessions were held at different times of the day and had made consultation much easier.

It was noted that there were currently 30 applicants on the waiting list but some had been on for a number of years and not actively seeking a site, however, it was good practice not to remove the applicants.

With regard to the number of current pitches it was explained that there were no current plans to expand the number of pitches available, however plans to improve pitches were being explored.

RESOLVED:  That the Policy, be supported.

The Senior Governance Officer highlighted the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and Council’s Forward Plan of key decisions to the Panel for its attention.

Resolved:  That the information, be noted.

Chair:  ________________________________

Dated: _____________________