Decision details

To implement a Local Lettings Policy (also known as a Community Letting Plan) to 9 x 2 bedroom bungalows at Pine View, Danesmoor. This will be adopted for first lets only.

The Choice Based Lettings (CBL) and Allocations policy already supports Local Lettings Policies where appropriate, therefore decisions will need to be made on a scheme basis.

Section 166A(6)(b) of the Housing Act 1996 enables housing authorities to allocate particular accommodation to people of a particular description, whether or not they fall within the reasonable preference categories, provided that overall the authority is able to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of S.166A(3) ‘to give overall priority for an allocation to people in the reasonable preference categories’.

This is the statutory basis for ‘Local Lettings Policies’, which may be used to achieve a wide variety of housing management and policy objectives.

The Policy is being created in response to a new build scheme, which will result in a significant number of lets occurring over a short duration in a small locality. Therefore first lets will need to be managed to ensure local people have priority to help alleviate housing need in the Danesmoor area and create a balanced community for tenant sustainability.

Applicants will be initially assessed under the usual Allocations Policy, then the shortlisted applicants will undergo a second stage selection process in line with the Local Lettings Policy. Any home subject to a Local Lettings Policy will be clearly labelled within the advertisements.

The Local Lettings Policy will comply with equality legislation and ensure that there is no unlawful discrimination in the allocation of dwellings.

Not to implement a Local Lettings Policy – This was rejected as it may result in the bungalows not being let to people who live in or have a strong local connection to Danesmoor. There is a risk that the tenure mix will not be balanced which may create less tenancy sustainment in the small community.