Agenda item

Interview with John Littlemore, Head of Housing and Community Safety

The Chairman welcomed John Littlemore, Head of Housing and Community Safety to the meeting.

Mr Littlemore gave a brief overview of the changes proposed to the housing allocation scheme to provide a more transparent mechanism for the prioritisation between applicants for social housing. It was highlighted that the draft framework attached to the report had been developed through the Kent Housing Group.  In answer to a question regarding the cost of the scheme it was explained that the cost would be spread amongst the Kent Home Choice Partnership.

The Committee was pleased that the scheme enabled consideration of low earners- as this group was often overlooked.  The Committee requested clarification on the eligibility criteria and urgent medical need. It was suggested that a definition or examples be included for applicants.

The Committee noted this system would be clearer for applicants however the way the report was framed made it difficult to establish if its purpose was to improve the system for the public or, whether it was to save money. Mr Littlemore agreed that this would be clarified in the final document.

The Committee raised concerns regarding over crowding issues and requested clarification on whether the new system would overcome this. Mr Littlemore informed Members that determining property sizes for families would still lie with the landlord, so this system will not solve that problem. The Chairman enquired if the Council could help set the standard for Landlords. Mr Littlemore responded that the Council could try to persuade landlords.

Members raised questions around the altering of the preference of local connection and ensuring balance was maintained with Maidstone residents. Mr Littlemore responded that despite there being more opportunity for this within the new scheme applicants tend to take a local view of where they want to live. A8 applicants (applicants from accession countries) were also considered in this discussion. In answer to a question Mr Littlemore informed the Committee that the Rural Exception scheme will remain at district level, as the policy framework which has been built around this will continue, therefore we will be able to continue to give priority to those who have connections in the first instance.

Concerns were raised about those who would usually be dealt with in a discretionary manner under the current points system of allocation. The officer assured the Committee that the new system would be tested by looking at existing applicants and outcomes against the new system. Mr Littlemore offered to send the Committee further details on the present allocation of points for a local connection. 

With regard to informing applicants of the changes to the system, Mr Littlemore informed the Committee that as 90 percent of bids were submitted online they would use the internet, and other methods to communicate the changes to tenants.

Resolved: To recommend that:

a)  Clarity on the scheme for the eligibility criteria and urgent medical needs terminology be provided;

b)  The scheme be clearly focussed on benefiting residents as well as providing value for money; and

c)  The following information be provided:

  i.  A breakdown of the local connection of applicants housed in the past six months;

  ii.  A model showing the impact of the new scheme when available;

  iii.  The number of A8 nationals who we accepted a homelessness duty to in the last six months; and

  iv.  A copy of the Kent Home Choice Consultation Package when available.