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

Housing Strategy Documents –Consultation Summary of Written CommentsShepherds Bush HAStrategic documents (i.e., all documents) considered to be council-centric and could focus more on the work ofregistered providers and other agencies. Would like a clear framework for engagement for Registered Providers todeliver new initiatives and fresh innovations that meet the needs and aspirations of existing and new households.Statements saying that the borough welcomes such innovations should be included. Availability of resources shouldbe looked at jointly to meet borough needs and aspirations. Challenges whether a mix of housing provision is beingdelivered presently, as new affordable housing is primarily discount market sale or market rent: clearer statementneeded on expectations on affordable housing and expectations of registered providers.Housing Allocation SchemePage 479ConsulteeMayor of London(4 July 2012 Meeting –Meeting Note 30 July2012)Housing AssociationForumLBHF(26 July 2012)Consideration ofrecent CLG Guidance/ ProposalsHestiaMencap (24 JulyCommentGLA broadly content with the proposed strategy. Noted that the Council’s intention to give greater allocations priorityto working households which is likely to feature in the Mayor’s own final Housing Strategy document. GLA isconcerned about how the sub-regional scheme will operate and H&F will need to be clear how their proposedapproach will work in practice with sub regional obligations. GLA expressed an interest in how the Council intendsto award priority to different categories of ex-service personnel.Transparency in the operation of the system will be vital. HAs concerned that the system could be more timeconsuming.Vital that homes available for nomination do not remain empty longer than they need to be. 14 calendarday turnaround is required for performance purposes. Needs to be stronger focus on addressing under-occupation.Agreed that financial incentives need to be introduced to help encourage people to move. £500 per room wassuggested as current practice. HAs mentioned a removal project that had been sponsored by HAs in the past whichcould help people move. Tri-borough working could also help improve joint working as many HAs in H&F also workin Westminster and K&C. Agreed that HAs have a key role to play in helping to delivering a better housingallocations approach.Reference needed to ensuring that greater joint working is needed between Housing Regeneration Directorate andAdult Social Care (ASC) on future allocation processes. Greater priority should be given to those in housing needwhere ASC are currently providing support.CLG Allocations Guidance of Accommodation – Guidance for Local Authorities.CLG Pay to Stay ConsultationAllocation of Housing (Qualification Criteria for Armed Forces) (England) Regulations 2012Concerned that the documents do not adequately address the housing needs of vulnerable adults and children.Highlighted issues of inconsistencies and contradictions. Timely assessment and interventions will help pre-emptexpensive, temporary solutions. Women and children suffering from domestic may suffer from the proposals.Amend bedroom standard to reflect the need for all disabled children to have a separate bedroom from other4