Issue - meetings

1.         That the revised landlord lettings policy be adopted.

(Report Ref: BHP27)

RECOMMENDATION:

1.    That the Policy Committee are asked to comment upon the review and proposed improvement changes made to the Landlord Lettings policy.

Report reference Report Ref: BHP27

Councillor Learney (Cabinet Member for Housing and Asset Management) and the Corporate Head of Housing introduced the report, ref: BHP27 which set out proposals for the Winchester City Council - Landlord Letting Policy which was available on the council's website here. The committee was recommended to comment upon the review and proposed changes made to the policy.

The committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the report, in summary, questions on the following matters were raised.

·       the priority afforded to families in flats.

·       the de-regulation of sheltered housing and issues for existing tenants

·       the demand for 2-bed flats, the proposed criteria change and reasons for the reduction in interest.

·       the age restrictions policy concerning older persons' housing (as per para 2.13).

·       how an individual with previous behavioural issues could demonstrate positive change

·       how to provide proof of identity if no passport or driving licence

·       the operation of the local lettings policy for those working in the area

·       the inclusion of councillors as part of the future review process

These points were responded to by Councillor Learney, Cabinet Member for Housing and Asset Management the Corporate Head of Housing, the Service Lead - Strategic Housing and the Tenancy Services Manager accordingly and were noted by the cabinet members present at the meeting.

RESOLVED:

1.    That officers consider all the committee's comments raised during the discussion of the item.

2.    That the committee recommended a future all-member briefing be undertaken on the subject.