Decision details

Report of the Cabinet Member for Housing seeking to set the strategic direction of the Local Housing Authority in relation to the housing provisions of the Localism Act 2011 in order that consultation with stakeholders is undertaken.

The Localism Act 2011 introduced a range of duties and powers on the Authority  in relation to the provision and letting of social housing including:

• to have a Tenancy  Strategy in place by January 2013, to set out high level objectives for Southampton which registered providers will have regard to in letting social housing;
• as a  stock holding local Authority  SCC will need to develop a landlord tenancy policy in relation to the new range of tenure types
• to ensure the above is developed with consideration of the local allocations policy and homelessness strategy and in consultation with registered providers

(i)  To approve the draft tenancy strategy subject to consultation with stakeholders.

(ii)  Following consultation to authorise officers to implement the tenancy strategy.  Should significant issues arise then the matter will be referred back to Cabinet for further consideration.

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Senior Manager, Housing Services to develop and implement both the landlord tenancy policy and the allocations policy following completion of the tenancy strategy in consultation with Director Environment and Cabinet Member for Housing.

1. The Localism Act 2011 introduces a number of provisions in relation to social housing.  In particular, the introduction of a new type of tenancy, the fixed term tenancy, which can be used as an alternative to secure, lifetime tenancies
2. The act also introduces new provisions in relation to the way in which the housing list is managed and how priority can be awarded.  Local authorities and other social housing providers now have discretion to consider a greater range of factors when letting properties and when considering the type of tenancy to be awarded.
3. The purpose of the tenancy strategy is for the local authority to set out how it sees the new tenancy type being used, its priorities in relation to who should be housed and for how long and to set the framework within which other providers need to have regard when developing their landlord tenancy policies and allocations policies.

1. The tenancy strategy cannot be introduced without consulting registered providers and other stakeholders.  Delaying commencement of the consultation was considered, however, this option has been rejected as stakeholders are likely to have considerable interest in the provisions of the strategy and they are required to “have regard” to the strategy when developing their own tenancy policy.  We are aware that some providers in the city are already using fixed term tenancies and so it is important that we introduce our tenancy strategy as soon as possible to ensure that all providers are meeting the wider aims of the city in the use of these tenancies.
2. The necessary activities could be carried out in a different sequence.  For instance drafting documents and carrying out consultation prior to consideration by Cabinet.  However, this would not give early guidance to other providers in the City.