London borough 'not interested' in new discretionary housing powers

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Development, Local Government

Camden Council is consulting on plans to offer new fixed-term tenancies, but says it's not interested in the discretionary new powers introduced in the Localism Act.

Instead of creating a fairer and more flexible system, it fears that Government housing policy is "counter productive" and could spread alarm and anxiety across the borough.

It wants to know from the borough's residents whether it should offer fixed term tenancies and what they think should happen to a council home when a tenant dies.

It follows plans in the Localism Act to allow councils and social landlords to offer fixed-term tenancies of five years and longer and only allow tenancy succession to partners, not other close relatives.

This, argues the Government, will create create a fairer, flexible system, making sure that homes are lived in by those who most need them.

However, Camden says it's "not interested in these discretionary powers".

A factsheet issued with the online consultation reveals that on average about 70 people a year inherit a Camden Council home. It says that if it limited succession to those with a legal right, about 30 more homes a year would become available to let.

Councillor Julian Fulbrook, Cabinet Member for Housing at Camden Council, said: “Government proposals in relation to housing policy are wholly counter-productive and could spread alarm and anxiety to our residents.

"The number of additional homes that would become available if we were to change our housing policy is significantly outweighed by the impact on the quality of life for future tenants."

There are around 23,500 applicants for a council or other social rented home in Camden and, on average, only 1,000 homes are let per year.

The Government is also consulting on plans to make higher earners - those households typically earning between £60,000 and £100,000 - living in social housing pay more rent.

In Camden the average weekly council rent for a two bedroom property is £102 with the average income for social housing tenants in the borough standing at £15,000 per year.

It believes about 100 new homes a year could become available if the council ended tenancies when a household could afford a higher rent.

You can view the consultation here.