Conservative-run council to axe 50% of waiting list

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

A Conservative-run council is planning to remove 4,500 people off its waiting list and offer five-year fixed-term tenancies as the norm.

Northampton Borough Council has kicked off a 16-week consultation on changes to both allocations and tenancies, following new powers in the Localsim Act, which allow councils to reframe how they let homes.

The plans include scrapping two of its allocations bands - C and D - which it says represents half of those on the register.

It says those in the removed bands have "no realistic prospect" of ever being re-housed due to the increasing demand for affordable houses.

The proposed change, it says, would enable the council to better manage expectations and ensure its housing stock is provided to those in the greatest need.

Priority would also be given to people with a local connection to Northampton, those leaving the armed forces and people working or actively seeking voluntary or paid work.

As part of the tenancy changes, not all new tenants would be given a lifetime tenancy, instead flexible tenancies could be offered for a minimum of five years. Housing associations in the borough would also be encouraged to offer similar tenancies, it says.

Existing tenants won't be affected by the changes, but people on the register may only be given a tenancy for five years. 

Councillor Mary Markham, Cabinet member for housing, said: "The Government in the Localism Act allows all councils to make changes to the way social housing is let. To make sure we meet the new rules we are proposing to make some major changes to our Allocations Policy and Tenancy Strategy.   

"As well as removing some applicants from Housing Register, other people could also be moved to a different band, depending on their personal circumstances. New tenancy lengths could also be introduced, meaning council houses would no longer be let for life. It’s a radical shake-up and the changes will affect many people who have been waiting for a council home and new prospective tenants.

"We need to hear the views of tenants and local residents about the proposals. Should people with a local connection to Northampton be given priority? Should people who are working or looking for paid or voluntary work be given priority? Please take some time and read the information and fill in the questionnaires. This is your chance to have a say and influence the proposed changes.”

Councillors will discuss the comments from the consultation and make a decision about the proposed changes in December 2012.  The new policy will then be implemented in April 2013.