Consideration of the Private Sector Discharge Policy for approval

A report was received from the Housing Project Manager which put forward a draft Private Rented Sector Discharge Policy which set out how the Council would discharge its homelessness duty to the eligible Watford residents into the private sector.  The draft policy was drawn up as a result of changes brought in by the Localism Act which meant that the Council was now empowered to discharge its homelessness duty and could set local criteria regarding this.

Councillor Johnson stated that the availability of social housing was very limited.  There was now a new housing nomination policy which helped the Council to use a scarce resource in the best way possible.  The housing team were currently trying to discharge people from temporary accommodation, but those being discharged did not have to take the properties being offered even though they were of a good standard.

The Chair commented that a change in government legislation had allowed the Council to discharge people to the private sector so they did not remain in temporary accommodation. 

The Head of Community and Customer Services described how the policy created more opportunities to give people a home.  It would also encourage more landlords to come forward as they knew that their properties would not remain void.

The Chair explained that building new social housing relied upon the planning system and developments which were larger than 10 new properties.  The larger schemes, such as the Health Campus, were important as they were an opportunity to build greater numbers of social housing.  There had been a gradual decline in social housing along with a decline in house building.  Although it was sometimes difficult for residents to accept new housing developments, there was still a need for 1-2 bedroom properties.

Councillor Bell commented on the quality of properties and that Landlords had to meet a statutory policy to be considered suitable.  Applicants were not expected to turn down properties as checks were carried out; he questioned whether these checks would always be followed up.

The Head of Community and Customers Services responded that landlords would have to satisfy a set criteria.  Environmental Health worked with and checked on a large number of properties. 

The Chair commented that the Council was rigorous about who was offered private rented accommodation.  The private rented sector was buoyant because young professionals were unable to get on the property ladder.  Once in social housing, people were unlikely to move which contributed to the small number of properties available.  This strategy was part of the solution to the problem of lack of social housing and people in temporary accommodation but it would not be a solution for everyone.  It would be necessary to review what happened when the policy was implemented.

Councillor Scudder echoed comments that quality was important and there was a strict criteria for landlords.  However, as landlords wanted to have tenants in their properties it was also an incentive to maintain the standards.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet:

• Approves the Private Rented Sector Discharge Policy
• While noting the target approval date of 19^th January 2015, Cabinet delegated authority for agreeing the detailed implementation plan and precise implementation date to the Head of Community and Customer Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing.
• Notes that minor changes to the Policy may be deemed necessary during implementation and that the Council’s constitution delegates authority for these to be made by the Head of Community and Customer Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing.