Decision details

Comment on and endorse the Lettings and Rents Policies for the new company.

Matter for Decision

As the Housing Scrutiny Committee was the Council’s main committee that scrutinises housing services, the Committee was requested to comment on the proposed Lettings and Rent Policy for the Council’s new ‘pilot’ Housing Company.   

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Noted the comments of the Housing Scrutiny Committee on the proposed Lettings and Rent Policy for the new ‘pilot’ Housing Company.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Head of Strategic Housing regarding the Housing Company – Lettings and Rent Policy.

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

     i.        The scheme pilot was welcomed.

    ii.        Questioned the affordability of rents at 80% of the upper quartile of market rents.

   iii.        Suggested there was a risk to the general fund as the profit margins would be very thin.

  iv.        Suggested that a wider tenure mix might make the scheme more financially viable.

   v.        Expressed concerns that Right to Buy Exceptions could be changed making these properties vulnerable to Right to Buy applications.

In response to Members questions the Head of Strategic Housing stated that:

     i.        The tenancies would be offered on standard assured short hold conditions.

    ii.        Potential tenants would be subject to income checks as with any private rental arrangement.

   iii.        Rents would be subject to an annual rent rise.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.