Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture seeking approval of the Allocations Policy and Gypsy Traveller Site Allocation Policy .

(i)  To consider and approve the Allocations Policy.

(ii)  To consider and approve the Gypsy & Travellers Site Allocation Policy.

(iii)  Subject to recommendations (i) and (ii) being agreed, to delegate authority to the relevant Service Director to, following consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member, make minor technical amendments to the policy in line with any legislative changes or for the purpose of clarification.

(iv)  Subject to recommendations (i) and (ii) being agreed, to delegate authority to the relevant Service Director to, following consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member, update the points systems in either policy to respond to local demand.

1.  The Allocations Policy has not been reviewed since 2016 and, therefore, does not reflect the council’s latest position in terms of regulation and processes. The updated policy does not represent any fundamental changes to the policy or service, but instead clarifies what the council is already doing and brings together a number of incremental changes brought forward through delegated powers. The policy has also been updated to reflect the latest legislation in terms of the allocation of social housing.

2.  The Gypsy & Travellers Site Allocation Policy does not represent any significant change service and has been brought in line with processes and legislation. This will allow the council to continue to allocate pitches at Kanes Hill and ensure they are allocated fairly and proportionately.

1.  An alternative option is to not review and update the two policies. This option is not recommended as it could put the council at risk of legal challenge, as current policies do not accurately reflect processes or latest legislation.

2.  An alternative considered and rejected was to add a section to the general Allocations Policy which would address allocation for travellers at Kanes Hill, with a procedure for staff. This is different to what is being proposed, which is two completely separate policies, one for general allocations and another for the allocation of pitches at Kanes Hill. The differences are substantial enough to warrant their own policies. Namely, to be eligible for a plot at Kanes Hill a person must be:

•  From a gypsy / traveller background (not a stipulation in the general policy)

•  There is no residential condition applied to travellers requesting pitches at Kanes Hill. This differs from the main Allocation Policy requirement of 3 years residence within the Southampton boundary

•  Specific consideration given to additional relevant legislation relating to Gypsies & Travellers

•  Assessment of applications is managed by the Thornhill Housing Office not the Allocations Service

•  There is a separate application form.