Under 25s to be offered two-year council tenancies in London borough

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

Most young people under 25 will be offered two-year fixed-term tenancies in the London of Barnet, while the majority of new tenants will be offered five-year terms.

Conservative-run Barnet Council - whose 15,000 homes are managed by its ALMO Barnet Homes - says the first new tenancies will be signed this week and that the new system of allocating council tenancies is aimed at targeting housing for those most in need.

The Government's Localism Act 2011 has given councils the power to use flexible fixed-term contracts for council tenancies and a requirement for them to produce a local tenancy strategy setting out the offer, length and any exemptions.

The new tenancies, says the council, will be renewable and reviewed after the fixed terms and existing tenants will still see all their current rights, including a secure lifetime tenancy, fully protected.

It adds that although young people aged under 25 will have their tenancy reviewed every two years, they will receive support from Barnet Homes to help them become more independent. Young people leaving care will receive a five-year fixed-term renewable tenancy.
 
The new system will also see secure life-time tenancies granted to ex-armed forces personnel who have seen active service, older people who have reached retirement age and households where a person, their spouse or child is disabled or terminally ill.
 
Councillor Tom Davey, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “At a time of significant housing pressure it’s right that council homes are there for those in the greatest need.
 
“Rather than a home for life irrespective of circumstances, the new policy will take account of a tenant’s changing housing needs and recognise if a person has the means to rent or buy a home of their own.
 
“It will also support young people to become independent by offering a short term tenancy in return for them studying or training, and will help tackle under-occupation by freeing up homes which are larger than a person needs.”