Issue - meetings

1.      That the Tenancy Strategy 2026–2031 attached at Appendix 1 to report CAB3558(H) be approved.

2.      That the Housing Services Tenancy Management Strategy 2026–2029 be approved, as attached at Appendix 3 to the report.

3.      That authority be delegated to the Corporate Head of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Good Homes for All, to make any minor amendments, typographical corrections, formatting changes, legislative updates or other non-material changes required prior to publication and implementation of the Tenancy Strategy 2026–2031 and the Housing Services Tenancy Management Strategy 2026–2029

Councillor Reach and the Tenancy Services Manager introduced the report which detailed both the revised Tenancy Strategy and the new Housing Services Tenancy Management Strategy. 

The Tenancy Services Manager and Corporate Head responded to questions and comments raised by councillors as summarised below:

a)    Further clarification was sought regarding the performance and outcomes framework and how the council intended to measure success against the strategy.

b)    A question was asked concerning the specific evidence that underpinned the council’s approach to tenancy length, succession, and affordability.

c)    Information was requested regarding the safeguards in place to ensure that vulnerable tenants were not disadvantaged by any proposed policy changes.

d)    Further information was requested on how the strategies would continue to operate following the proposed Local Government Reorganisation.

e)    Further clarification was sought regarding whether the strategy could unintentionally increase homelessness or lead to higher rates of tenancy failure.

f)      A question was asked concerning the monitoring of specific outcomes, including levels of arrears, evictions, and successful tenancy sustainment.

g)    Further details were sought regarding how the council intended to enforce the expectations set out in the strategy with Registered Providers.

h)    A question was asked regarding the frequency of reporting on tenancy measures to the Housing Leadership Board and the TACT Board.

The Cabinet Committee agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report. 

RESOLVED:

1.       That the Tenancy Strategy 2026–2031 attached at Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

2.       That the Housing Services Tenancy Management Strategy 2026–2029 be approved, as attached at Appendix 3 to the report.

3.       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Head of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Good Homes for All, to make any minor amendments, typographical corrections, formatting changes, legislative updates or other non-material changes required prior to publication and implementation of the Tenancy Strategy 2026–2031 and the Housing Services Tenancy Management Strategy 2026–2029