Issue - meetings

Housing Services - (C-047-2021-22) - To approve the renewal of the Tenancy Policy for the period 2022-2027.

(1)          The cabinet considered the review of the current Tenancy Policy;

(2)          The Cabinet approved the proposal for two material changes to be made to the terms of the current policy that reflect the Council’s statutory obligations;

(3)          The Cabinet agreed to renew the Tenancy Policy for the period 2022-2027; and

(4)       The Cabinet approved the publication of the draft refreshed Tenancy Policy 2022 -2027 at Appendix 1 of the report.

The Housing Services Portfolio Holder introduced the report on the Tenancy Policy. She noted that as a stockholding Local Housing Authority, Epping Forest District Council had a statutory duty  to publish both a Tenancy Strategy or framework (setting out the matters to which the registered providers of social housing within its district are to have regard when formulating their tenancy policies), and a Tenancy Policy with regards to its own stock.

The current Tenancy Policy is due for review by July 2022; the same calendar year as the Housing Allocations Scheme, the Homelessness and Rough Sleepers Strategy, and the overarching Housing Strategy.

A review of all four strategies and policies commenced in May 2021. The draft Tenancy Policy was being presented to Cabinet with two proposed amendments to take account of legislative changes along with the draft Allocations Scheme and draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for the same 5-year period.

Decision:

(1)          The Cabinet considered the review of the current Tenancy Policy;

(2)          The Cabinet approved the proposal for two material changes to be made to the terms of the current policy that reflect the Council’s statutory obligations;

(3)          The Cabinet agreed to renew the Tenancy Policy for the period 2022-2027; and

(4)       The Cabinet approved the publication of the draft refreshed Tenancy Policy 2022 -2027 at Appendix 1 of the report.

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

To enable the Council to publish the refreshed Tenancy Policy 2022-2027

Other Options for Action:

(i)         Not to approve the recommendation to renew the Tenancy Policy without making any amendments.

(ii)        To make other changes to the draft Tenancy Policy (subject to further consultation where appropriate).