Agenda Reports Pack (Public) 15/10/2012, 19.00 - Meetings ...

learning disabilities sectors had issues of detail which did notnecessarily lend themselves to a survey response. Also received was aresponse from the Member of Parliament for Hammersmith. Theresponses from individual groups are summarised in Annex G, and willbe published in full, subject to permission from respondents. Somerespondents saw the changes proposed as an opportunity to stopperceived shortcomings in current policy and practice. Many interestedparties across the spectrum saw the changes as a fresh opportunity toengage with the borough on housing issues.3.8 In summary, for Housing Strategy interest groups representing peoplewho are physically disabled, learning disabled, and elderly wereconcerned that their needs were not sufficiently identified andconsequently would not be prioritised under the new strategicapproach. There was also a broader concern that existing developmentplanning policies designed to meet these groups’ needs were notdelivering on the ground, despite sound policies being in place.Delivery of housing that is wheelchair accessible and meeting lifetimehomes standards were quoted as concerns. Housing Associations(described as Private Registered Providers in the strategy documents)were concerned that their potential role in helping delivering thestrategy objectives, which they were broadly supportive of, was notbeing given sufficient profile, given that they collectively own andmanage as much affordable housing as the Council. In a similar vein,some housing associations considered the strategy to be ‘councilcentric’and not sufficiently partnership focused. On this last point, theCouncil will be working more closely with housing associations in thefuture and reference has been made in the revised housing strategydocument.3.9 On the Housing Allocation Scheme, there were concerns fromhousing associations that the move towards more direct lettingsreduces the element of choice for applicants and may in practice bemore time-consuming to operate. There was a general concern fromdisabilities organisations that the housing needs of their client groupsmight be marginalised. There were additional concerns about how thecommunity contribution mechanism might work in practice for peoplewho may not be able to spend time volunteering or access sustainableemployment. Concern was also expressed about how the AccessibleHousing Register (which is to be retained) will work with the newAssisted Choice approach, replacing the current Choice Based Lettingscheme. Homelessness organisations expressed concern that theirclient groups needs may be marginalised, although there was some ‘inprinciple’ support for the overall strategic approach. Concerns wereexpressed about how ex-offenders and the fairness of the proposal for2 year tenancies for this and other client groups, such as 18-25 yearolds. There was a broader issue of how the new Scheme could reduce‘silting up’ of supported housing, where vulnerable households werereluctant to ‘move on’ to other permanent accommodation. However, anumber of respondents were broadly supportive of the additionalPage 346