Emergency Social Housing Allocations Policy

In some circumstances, particular areas may have a formally agreed local lettings policy. A local lettings policy would be in place to make sure that homes in that area are given in a way that helps to tackle issues. To agree a local letting policy it should be based on the following test:

• Clear definition of what is to be achieved by the local lettings policy.
• Clear evidence to back up the need of the local lettings policy.
• Any potential equality impact has been considered; how long the local lettings policy is to be operational and when the local lettings policy is to be reviewed.
• A local lettings policy must be approved by the Executive Board Member for Housing (Council) and the housing association board for RSL LLPs before it can be put into place. It must have partnership approval to ensure any adverse unintended impact on other partner landlords are mitigated and the review period agreed.
• An example is, when looking at new housing developments, a local lettings plan is required to ensure a sustainable community cohesion is sought.
• The Executive Board Member for Housing would need final sign off following partnership approval.

An individual property may be a ‘sensitive let’. This could be where there is a confirmed history of antisocial behaviour or criminal activity at that property or in close vicinity.

A property will only be designated a sensitive let with the approval of the Head of Housing (Council) or by a manager of equal seniority (housing association). If a property is a sensitive let, certain households will not be considered for that property.

Once the property has been let it will no longer be classed as a sensitive let. Letting in this way should be as an exception and not the rule.

It must have partnership approval to ensure any adverse unintended impact on other partner landlords are mitigated and the review period agreed.

Accommodation needs for traveller families are assessed under section 101 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. If the assessment identifies needs within the area with respect of the provision of sites on which mobile homes may be stationed the Council must exercise its powers in section 56 of the Mobile Homes Wales Act 2013.

Regard has been given to the Welsh Government’s publication, “Travelling to a better future” and its guidance on Managing Gypsy and Traveller Sites. The process for allocating a pitch would still be based on priority, local connection, community connection and time waiting if there were 2 or more interested applicants.

Some homes have been specially adapted to meet people’s needs. This type of accommodation includes homes for people with disabilities and people with special housing requirements.

To ensure we match people to adapted homes and make the best use of the accommodation we have available, an Accessible Housing Register (AHR) is also operated as part of the main register.

Specific housing needs are identified and assessed as part of the initial housing enquiry. As part of this process an assessment may be undertaken by an occupational therapist. The result of this assessment will dictate the level of need and the type of adapted property required.

Shared lettings may be allocated outside of the policy to allow the ability for some self-selection of fellow sharers to ensure sustainability of the tenancy. A local letting plan should be developed before allocation.