Issue - decisions

That with regard to the Rehousing Offer to Walden House secure council tenants, the Cabinet Member for Housing Services agreed that:

(a)          The same number of points set to non-renewal decant applicants (450 points) be awarded as set out in section 5 of the report and that Households remaining in occupation in the period prior to the lease end date will be made one direct offer of alternative accommodation.

(b)          Each secure tenant/ joint tenant be offered a single payment of £6,300, as a gesture of goodwill for their disturbance when moving as set out in section 6 of the report.

(c)          The Downsizing Cash Incentive Scheme and awarding of additional downsizing points be not included in the rehousing offer as set out in section 7 of the report.

(d)          Secure tenants be offered housing meeting their assessed bedroom need as set out in section 8 of the report.

(e)          Households identified as overcrowded be offered housing meeting the assessed bedroom need based on the approach used in the Policy for Tenants in Housing Renewal Areas as set out in section 9 of the report.

(f)           Any rights or special provision to return to a Council estate, area or neighbourhood that is being or has been redeveloped be not granted and confirmed that the Council may at its absolute discretion offer as a priority option in a local lettings scheme at a later date if it deems it practicable, but offer no guarantees it will do so, as set out in section 10 of the report.   

Reasons for Decision

Awarding a rehousing offer to Walden House secure tenants as a bespoke package, which combines elements from both the Council’s Housing Allocation Scheme and the Policy for Tenants in Housing Renewal Areas would enable the Council to make every effort to ensure the offer is as generous as possible, whilst still remaining fair and in line the Council’s housing renewal strategy and serving the Council’s best interests.