Issue - meetings

Scrutiny Committee Minute Text

Matter for Decision:  

The Officer’s report recommended a Tenancy Policy for the City Council in the context of the new Affordable Rents regime and the new flexibilities around the length of tenancy to be offered.

 

The Policy covers:

(i)                Introductory tenancies.

(ii)              Security of tenure.

(iii)            Affordable rents.

(iv)            Succession rights.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing:

(i)                Agreed the Tenancy Policy.

(ii)              Agreed to the Tenancy Policy being reviewed during 2012 -13.

 

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 Area Housing Manager regarding the Tenancy Policy.

 

In response to Members’ questions the Area Housing Manager confirmed the following:

 

(i)                The Tenancy Policy draws together various Council policies into one document. Officers would take the opportunity to review the various policies as part of the process.

(ii)              New tenants will be offered an Introductory Tenancy unless where they are transferring from a secure tenancy, or an assured tenancy with a registered social landlord (but not an assured shorthold tenancy). If 3, 6 and 9 monthly reviews were satisfied an Introductory Tenancy would become secure.

(iii)            Demoted Tenancy occurs when someone breaks the terms of their tenancy.

(iv)            A family member (eg son or daughter) could succeed to the tenancy. Provision for this is set out in statute.

(v)              The Tenancy Policy process will include a consultation process prior too implementation. The process should be concluded by April 2013. The final document would include a glossary of terms.

 

The Chair decided that the recommendations highlighted in the Officer’s report should be voted on and recorded separately:

 

The Committee resolved by 10 votes to 0 to endorse  recommendation (i).

 

The Committee approved recommendation (ii) unanimously.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

Not applicable.