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

Building a Housing Ladder of Opportunity – Housing Allocation Schemefinancial duties and responsibilities, including achieving a balance of lettings asset out in the Council’s Annual Lettings Plan and delivering value for money.4.12 In addition to the Annual Lettings Plan, special allocation arrangements, i.e.,through Local Lettings Plans, may apply in respect of properties available forletting on new-build developments and/or areas that the Council considersnecessary for an alternative approach to deliver its ‘borough of opportunity’agenda. Local Lettings Plans will be subject to consultation by residents andagencies likely to be affected by the proposed changes (See Sections 2.43 –2.50).4.13 Decisions to allocate properties outside of the property pool and assisted choicewill be authorised by the Director Housing Options, Skills and EconomicDevelopment, or delegated officer who shall be a Head of Service.4.14 The Council is keen to facilitate ‘chain lettings’ approaches with other localhousing authorities and private registered providers (principally housingassociations) in order to maximise the use of affordable housing accommodationboth locally and in other areas. A ‘chain letting’ is similar to a chain of prospectivehouse purchasers who are dependent on others in order to move home. Thisapproach is an ideal way of helping to ensure that people who wish to stay intheir localities can do so, moving to homes that reflect their housing needs.Where the Council is able to ensure that there is a sufficiently positive impact forone or more of its residents by making a direct nomination (or through influencingother allocations of other Registered Providers), then the Director of HousingOptions, Skills and Economic Development shall have discretion to make anynecessary decision to achieve a chain letting.4.15 This flexible approach will help facilitate greater choice for applicants who wish tomove in their immediate locality, remaining close to family and friend networks.The Director Housing Options, Skills and Economic Development or delegatedofficer, will have the authority to allocate accommodation through either theAssisted Choice process or through a direct nomination to facilitate a successfulchain letting.Types of Property4.16 Some properties or blocks of properties are designated for allocation only toapplicants sharing a common characteristic or need, for example:• Properties in sheltered housing developments for people over a specifiedage,• Properties in supported housing schemes offering special services,• Individual properties which are adapted or otherwise particularly suitable forapplicants who use a wheelchair23Page 406