Emergency Social Housing Allocations Policy
In this section
- Appendix Two – Section 55 of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
- Appendix Three – Local Connection and Community Connection definition and areas
- Appendix Four – Location, type, and size of property
- Appendix Five – ‘Criteria for Letting’
- Appendix Six – Identified Support Needs
- Appendix Seven – Reasonable Offer and Suitable Offer Flowchart
Governance Arrangements
Councillors, RSL Board members, staff, and their relatives
6.1 The primary role of our Councillors (as outlined in statutory guidance) is to develop and approve the Policy and to hold officers of the authority to account for their actions.
6.2 Councillors cannot be involved in assessing housing applications or the allocation of housing. However, this does not prevent them from seeking or providing information on behalf of their constituents. Councillors will be informed of any vacant homes in their ward and when they are reallocated.
6.3 Officers of the authority and RSLs are responsible for applying this Emergency Policy and allocating according to its rules. To ensure that we are treating all applicants fairly, any application for housing from Councillors, employees of Partners, Board members, or associated persons must be disclosed. Canvassing is not allowed.
6.4 These applications will be assessed in the normal way, but any allocation of housing must be approved by the Head of Housing and Public Protection. For RSLs, they must also have the allocation approved at Board level and make the Welsh Government aware of the allocation.
Publicising the policy
6.5 We will publish this Policy and make it freely available. We will provide a copy free of charge to anyone who requests one as well as making it available online. Advice on this policy is available through the Housing Options and Advice Team on 01554 899389 or email schoptions@carmarthenshire.gov.uk.
Reviewing the policy
6.6 This Policy has been produced in agreement with participating RSLs. We will notify those it may affect in writing, and within a reasonable period, of the changes in this Policy. Regular review of policy to inform Any subsequent changes will require scrutiny members review before County Council approval.
6.7 A set of operational procedures which will underpin this Emergency Policy document will be approved by the Head of Housing and Public Protection. The Partnership (as set out in 1.8) will be involved prior to any changes.
