Report of the Strategic Director (Growth & Development) attached

Following an extensive period of review and agreement by social landlords and by the Council’s Executive Committee, Manchester’s current statutory social housing allocations scheme was implemented in November 2020. In addition to the planned full evaluation after 24 months, it was agreed that an interim evaluation should be undertaken after 12 months.

The Committee considered the report of the Strategic Director, Growth & Development that provided an update on the Housing Allocations Policy Review.

Key points and themes of the report included:-

·                Manchester’s current statutory social housing allocations scheme was implemented in November 2020;

·                In addition to the planned full evaluation after 24 months, it was agreed that an interim evaluation should be undertaken after 12 months;

·                An overview of the scheme evaluation and analysis; and

·                Noting the impact of COVID-19, the evidence to date was that the scheme was working as intended with no unexpected outcomes.

Some of the key points that arose from the Committees discussions were:-

·                Did all of the Registered Providers in Manchester apply the same policy when allocating properties, noting that this needed to be consistent and equitable;

·                What was the approach to dealing with repairs during the pandemic;

·                Comparative figures would be informative in future reports;

·                What was the criteria for residents wishing to secure a property in a neighbouring authority and did neighbouring authorities have the same or similar letting policies to Manchester;

·                What was the approach to housing refugee’s and asylum seekers. 

The Director, Housing and Residential Growth informed the Members that the issue of outstanding repairs due to the pandemic was a national issue, commenting that only emergency repairs had been undertaken during that time. He commented that this situation was beginning to normalise and plans were developed to deal with the back log, noting that the impact on void property turnaround times was understood.

Officers informed the Committee that all Registered Housing Providers have similar policies and applied the same choice-based lettings system, noting that the vast majority of lettings are to those residents in Bands 1 and 2. Officers stated that the demand on the service far outweighed the supply of available appropriately sized properties, and the turnover of properties was low, adding that the notion of low demand in Manchester was not true. Officers further advised that Manchester applied a two year residency criteria, adding that neighbouring authorities would have similar criteria, commenting that this made it difficult for residents to secure properties in other boroughs. The Chair asked that the residency criteria for all neighbouring boroughs be circulated to Members for information.  

The Director, Housing and Residential Growth stated that there was ongoing collaboration and dialogue with all Registered Provers in the city via the Housing Access Board, adding that there was also a regular audit of lettings undertaken to provide an assurance that the correct process and priorities were applied.

The Executive Member for Housing and Employment stated that he was confident that the scheme was working as intended, noting that priority was given to supporting the most vulnerable in the city, including the homeless and those victims of domestic violence. He described that demand for housing still outweighed supply and the city required more affordable housing and social housing. He stated that work was ongoing to respond to this demand and the Housing Strategy would be submitted to the Committee for consideration. He stated that the Government needed to do more to support the city to deliver more affordable housing. He further informed the Committee that under occupancy was an issue and work was being progressed to address this so as to release larger properties, making reference to the Extra Care and Age Friendly schemes that were being delivered. 

The Leader provided an update on the housing of refugees and asylum seekers, adding that Manchester had responded well in welcoming and supporting asylum seekers however improved arrangements and support from the Home Office was required, noting that an announcement was expected on the emerging situation in the Ukraine.

Decision

The Committee notes the report and recommends that the residency criteria for all neighbouring boroughs Housing Policy be circulated to Members for information