HS 035 HAVEBURY HOUSING PARTNERSHIP POLICY ALLOCATIONS & TENANCY POLICY Controlling Authority Director of Operations Policy Number HS035 Status Approved Date July 2016 Review Date July 2019 Amended April 2017 Equality & Diversity Impact Assessment carried out April 2012 Impact High Page 1 of 18
Allocations 1. Purpose 1.1 The Havebury Housing Partnership (hereafter known as Havebury) will seek to work with the St Edmundsbury Borough Council (hereafter referred to as SEBC) which has a duty to identify housing need within the Borough and to assess local housing needs. It will assist the SEBC fulfil its statutory duty to secure accommodation for people in housing need in accordance with the terms of Havebury s Memorandum and Articles of Association, The Transfer Agreement between Havebury and SEBC and in accordance with Havebury s charitable objectives. 1.2 Havebury will participate in the Cambridge Sub Region Choice Based Lettings scheme, recognising that the Council is responsible for the assessment of housing applications and the direct evaluation of housing need for all applicants. Applicants who are assessed as being adequately housed or have the ability to resolve their own housing needs independently to social rented, affordable rented and intermediate rented housing, are likely to be placed in a low priority banding. 1.3 Havebury will offer and issue tenancies which are compatible with the purpose of the housing needs of individual households, the sustainability of the community and the efficient use of its housing stock. 1.4 Havebury will work primarily with SEBC as well as with other local authorities and other Choice Based Lettings Schemes with due regard being had to each of their tenancy strategies as a basis for this policy. 1.5 Havebury recognises that there will be two main ways in which it can meet housing needs within the area:- i. the provision of additional housing ii. making the best use of the existing housing stock in terms of satisfying the demand from both the waiting list, existing tenants and by promoting moves which reduce under occupation. 1.6 Havebury will apply policies and procedures which are independent, fair, accountable and comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements. 1.7 This policy (Allocations) is available on request and is also available on Havebury s website. Page 2 of 18
1.8 Havebury will ensure there is equal and open access to housing for all sections of the community according to their needs. Havebury values equality and diversity and will endeavour to meet the needs of the entire community by promoting its services alongside the Local Authority s Tenancy Strategy. 1.9 Havebury will monitor the selection and allocation of properties, on a quarterly basis, the findings of which will be reported to the Operational Board. 1.10 Havebury will have due regard to the SEBC and other local authorities policies and Strategies and will advertise up to 40% of its general needs vacancies with an indication that priority will be given to applicants where the tenant or partner are working 16 hours or more each week. (see Annex 1) 1.11 Havebury will consider the application of local lettings policies to make the best use of its available stock and to improve the sustainability of communities. It will consider a local lettings policy relating to a defined geographical area where there is evidence that it is likely to prevent or reverse social conditions in an area which are threatening the housing rights of most residents or the value of the stock. 1.12 Havebury would seek to promote accessibility and mobility within the stock by the widest possible range of methods and systems which would include the use of nominations, referrals, cross local authority boundary mobility schemes, and move on arrangements, particularly where special needs housing is involved. 2. Scope 2.1 This policy extends to all lettings of Havebury stock, whether the stock was transferred or subsequently developed. 2.2 This policy applies to all applicants for housing and Havebury tenants seeking to transfer. 2.3 This policy relates to all tenancies including those with preserved rights and new tenancies created after transfer. 3. Responsibilities 3.1 The Operational Board, having formally adopted the Allocations and Tenancy policy for Havebury, accept responsibility for monitoring its effectiveness Page 3 of 18
3.2 Day to day responsibility lies with the Chief Executive and the Management Team. The Director of Operations will be the nominated Controlling Authority. 3.3 Issue Control management of duly authorised policies, procedures and any work instructions or amendments will be the responsibility of the Director of Operations who will ensure they are circulated to appropriate individuals and that they are kept updated with the current versions. 4. Method 4.1 Havebury will meet housing need by:- i. responding to expressions of interest from Housing Register applicants and Havebury tenants who have been assessed by SEBC who wish to move into Havebury property with due regard to relevant local authority (primarily SEBC) policy and Havebury's own policy. ii. mutual exchanges, assignments and succession. iii. other methods where deemed necessary to help achieve the aims of clause 1.3. 4.2 All applicants, including Havebury transfer applicants, will be assessed and placed with a priority band by SEBC or the relevant local authority in accordance with their own policy and that of the Cambridge Sub Region or other Choice Based lettings Scheme. 4.3 Any amendments to banding due to changes in circumstances will be made by the appropriate local authority. 4.4 Civil partnership is also included within this policy. Civil partners will have equal treatment with married couples in the lettings policy, including:- i. Parental responsibility for the other civil partner s child ii. Succession and assignment of a Tenancy Agreement iii. Protection from domestic violence iv. Immigration and nationality purposes. 4.5 Allocation by tenancy type Havebury will have available to offer five tenancy types. These will be: i. Fixed term with affordable rent ii. Fixed term with social rent iii. Lifetime with affordable rent iv. Lifetime with social rent v. Fixed term with intermediate rent Page 4 of 18
4.6 All sheltered housing and housing designated for people aged over state retirement age will be let on lifetime tenancies. 4.7 All supported independent living accommodation will be let on lifetime tenancies where the tenant is state retirement age or over. I 4.8 Existing Havebury tenants will not have their tenancies downgraded by transfer. The rent level will be that of the specific property. 4.9 Lifetime tenancies may be granted in the following circumstances: i. To all tenants of state retirement age or over, of sheltered housing ii. To all tenants of supported independent living accommodation iii. where required to support achievement of the objectives in 1.3 of this policy iv. Any Havebury tenant transferring will retain their tenancy type, so a Havebury tenant with a lifetime tenancy will transfer and take that tenancy type to the new property 4.10 It will be recognised that there may be exceptional circumstances where lifetime tenancies will be granted. 5. Fixed Term Assured Shorthold Tenancies 5.1 Fixed term tenancies are offered usually for 5 years, but in some circumstances, Havebury may offer a two year fixed term tenancy: i. Where the applicant for housing has previously been evicted by a registered provider or a local authority ii. Where the applicant has been evicted by a private landlord for rent arrears or anti-social behaviour iii. In cases where the head of the household is under 25 years of age and does not meet the criteria in 5.3 iv. Ex offenders leaving prison not in employment or training 5.2 Applicants will be expected to provide consent to contact previous landlords for enquiries to be made in cases where doubt exists for the reason for the loss of the previous accommodation. Applicants failing to give permission will not be considered for a property until it is given. 5.3 The term of each fixed term tenancy will be a total of 2 or 5 years following a probationary period. The probationary period duration will be up to the maximum period permitted by Havebury's Regulator. 5.4 Applicants cannot appeal against the decision to grant a fixed term. A review of the length of the fixed term may be requested. This Page 5 of 18
request should be made within 28 days of being offered the tenancy. The request should be made to the Head of Assets or Head of Housing who will check to ensure that the offer has been made in accordance with this Policy. If the property is ready, the applicant will be expected to move in even if the review process has not been completed. 5.5 A clear equitable and fair process will be put in place to fully assess the future of the tenancy at its ending. 6. Making an Offer of Accommodation 6.1 After viewing the property the applicant at the top of the shortlist will be given 24 hours to accept or refuse the offer. If an applicant is offered a tenancy (verbally or in writing) and does not accept that offer within the deadline given, Havebury will take this as a refusal of the offer. If the offer is refused, the next person on the short list will be offered the property. Havebury will work down the shortlist in order. 6.2 Members of staff and their close family who require housing may apply for housing in the same way as other applicants. Their status should be disclosed on the application form at the time of applying. If an applicant who is a member of staff, or a member of their direct family, makes a successful bid for a property the Director of Resources or Chief Executive will be informed and must approve the letting prior to the formal offer being made. Members of staff must complete a declaration of interest form stating that they or a close relative are either tenants of Havebury or have applied for housing. 7. Reasons for Rejecting Applicants 7.1 In certain circumstances, both outside applicants and transferring tenants may be refused an offer of accommodation by Havebury Housing Partnership for the following reasons: 7.2 Accommodation will not generally be allocated to former or existing tenants who owe money associated with rent and service charge arrears, other rechargeable works such as repairs or Court Costs, unless the debt is cleared. Where there is extreme hardship, such applicants may be assisted, subject to the debt being cleared. Where this has been impossible and where there are exceptional circumstances, a tenancy may be offered with a specific clause relating to the debt and with a repayment schedule outlined and agreed. It should be made clear that failing to meet the schedule as well as ongoing charges relating to the new tenancy will be a breach of the conditions of tenancy and legal action, including eviction could result. Page 6 of 18
7.3 The property of a transferring tenant should have been maintained in accordance with the Conditions of Tenancy and be in an acceptable condition. The transferring tenant will be expected to take the necessary steps to rectify any outstanding repairs or garden maintenance and present the property in a clean and tidy condition before an offer of alternative accommodation will be made. 7.4 Where an applicant or transferee has been treated as having exceptional hardship for the purposes of paragraph 7.1, they shall not be reconsidered on this basis for any new application made within a subsequent period of two years. 7.5 Save in exceptional circumstances or hardship, accommodation shall not be allocated to the following categories: i. Former tenants of private landlords, Havebury or any other local authority or registered provider who have been evicted by Court Proceedings for anti-social behaviour as defined by the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 from secure, assured, starter or assured shorthold tenancies. This will also include tenants who vacated accommodation following service of a Notice Seeking Possession for these reasons or prior to a Court hearing. Anti-social behaviour which has occurred two or more years prior to the application will not be taken into account if the tenant s household has conducted a tenancy satisfactorily in the intervening period. ii. Former social housing tenants who have been evicted on a mandatory basis from shorthold, non-assured or non-secure, starter or fixed term assured shorthold tenancies where the landlord s decision to evict was based upon a reasonably-held belief that the tenant was responsible for anti-social behaviour. iii. Applicants who were not themselves tenants but who resided with the evicted tenant and caused or contributed to the loss of a tenancy in circumstances set out above in 7.4 i and ii 7.6 Antisocial behaviour which occurred more than 5 years prior to the application or court orders for possession based on criminal convictions for antisocial behaviour made more than 5 years prior (whichever is the later date), may be discounted as a reason for rejection if it can be shown that the tenant s household has conducted a tenancy satisfactorily for at least 2 years in the intervening period. 7.7 An affordability assessment will be completed to ensure that the applicant being considered for the property is able to meet rent Page 7 of 18
payments. If the applicant is assessed as being unable to afford the rent payments Havebury may bypass them on the shortlist. 8. Consent and Declaration 8.1 When an applicant or transfer applicant applies for housing, they will be required to sign a declaration to confirm that:- i. The information they have provided is true and accurate ii. They will inform Havebury or the appropriate local authority as relevant, of any change in circumstances iii. They understand that information will be shared with any of the partner organisations within the Cambridge sub region or iv. other Choice Based Lettings Schemes as applicable. They consent to Havebury making enquiries of any relevant persons to confirm the information on their form and they consent to the release of any relevant information. v. A formal offer of accommodation will be made to the successful applicant, which will require acceptance. This signed acceptance will form the basis of the above declaration. 8.2 Havebury may take legal action against applicants or transfer applicants who withhold information or provide false information regarding their application. Where a property has been let as a result of providing false information, Havebury may take Court action to obtain possession of the property. 8.3 Havebury will support criminal prosecution of applicants found to have made fraudulent claims and will support action under the Proceeds of Crime Act should it be found that the tenant has benefitted financially from the fraudulent claim. 9. Withdrawal of an Offer 9.1 In the following very exceptional circumstances, Havebury may withdraw an offer of a property:- i. Where there has been a change in the applicant s circumstances. ii. Following verification the applicant is not eligible for the property iii. Where an error has been made in the advertising criteria iv. Where an offer of accommodation could put a vulnerable person at risk of any harm. V Where the tenant has fallen into arrears or not kept to an agreement since the offer was made 10. Refusing an offer of accommodation Page 8 of 18
10.1 Usually, if an applicant or transfer applicant refuses an offer of accommodation, they will remain in their housing need band. If a transfer applicant refuses three offers of accommodation made through choice based lettings, SEBC will contact the applicant to offer support and assistance and verify their circumstances. This may affect their priority banding. 11. Transfers 11.1 Tenants seeking to move to alternative accommodation will need to register on the Cambridge Sub Region Housing Register. The housing need bands described in the Local Authority s Letting Policy will be applied. 11.2 Where a tenant is allowed to transfer with an arrear, the repayment of the debt will be made a condition of the new tenancy. 11.3 The property of a transferring tenant should be in an acceptable condition (see Clause 7.3) before an offer of alternative accommodation will be confirmed. 12. Management Moves and Appeals 12.1 The vast majority of lettings in any one year will be carried out using the housing need banding system. From time to time, there are likely to be very urgent cases which require a rapid response or for a sound business case, and for this reason it may be necessary to assist applicants as a Management Transfer to respond adequately to their urgent housing need. All such decisions will be made by the Head of Housing, Head of Assets or the Director of Operations, and must be approved by the Chair of Operational Board. These cases will be clearly documented and be available for scrutiny by the Board if required. 12.2 Applicants have a right to appeal if they are concerned about the way their application has been dealt with. The appeal should be in writing or the most appropriate method of communication using a Havebury complaint form. Any officer directly involved in the housing need assessment or letting will not conduct the appeal investigation and the decision on the appeal must be approved by either the Head of Assets, Head of Housing or Director of Operations. 13. Collection of Information to Determine Housing Need 13.1 New Housing applicants or tenants wishing to transfer should register their application on the Choice Based Lettings site of St Edmundsbury Borough Council or the relevant local authority. Assistance will be available to applicants who require help in registering an application. Tenants wishing to transfer will be advised of the procedure and likely timescales as well as other possible sources of rehousing. They Page 9 of 18
will be notified of the property type for which they will be considered along with locations of appropriate properties. The Local Authority will be responsible for assessment and giving advice to applicants. 13.2 When registering an application, tenants and other providers of information will be made aware of how the data will be used and stored. 13.3 Havebury will develop adequate systems to allow access to information at the data subjects request and have procedures that prevent unlawful disclosure of personal data; this will be particularly relevant if a transfer application is to be rejected, for example, because of past tenancy related antisocial behaviour. 14. Review at the end of a Fixed Term Assured Shorthold Tenancy 14.1 The first review will take place at the end of the probationary period when deciding on whether to convert the starter tenancy to a Fixed Term Assured Shorthold Tenancy. 14.2 A further review will be undertaken 9 months prior to the end of the Fixed Term (2 or 5 years). 14.3 The required notice in the statutory form and within the statutory timeframe as required in the conditions of tenancy will be used. 14.4 Following the service of the notice an assessment as to whether the tenancy will be renewed will be undertaken. 14.5 The review will take account of the tenant's needs, their income, their financial circumstances, their occupation of the property and the manner in which the tenancy has been conducted. This assessment will also include any breaches in the conditions of tenancy during the term. Consideration will also be given to the demand for relevant housing types in the locality of the current home. 14.6 In cases where the tenancy is not being renewed, Havebury Housing Partnership will notify the local authority to advise and to refer the tenant for appropriate assistance and advice. 14.7 The advice and assistance pathway will include advice on shared ownership and outright purchase. This will be referred back to Havebury Housing Partnership if the tenant is seeking to purchase their current home. 14.8 The review will include consideration being given as to whether affordable or social rent will be charged if the tenancy is to be renewed. Page 10 of 18
14.9 Should affordable rent be applied to the new tenancy, a market rent valuation will be required to agree the rent level. This valuation must be undertaken not more than 3 months prior to the end of the tenancy. 14.10 The statutory period for issuing an Intention to Not Renew Notification will be served 6 months prior to the end of the fixed term. 14.11 If it is Havebury Housing Partnership's intention to renew the tenancy at the end of the fixed term this will be offered at 4 weeks prior to the end of the flexible fixed term tenancy. This will allow 4 weeks' notice to be given by the tenant. 14.12 The offer to renew the tenancy will include i. a confirmation of the tenancy type and term ii. the rent level, which may be at a social rent level or at an affordable rent level 15. Assessment on rent level on granting a renewed flexible fixed term tenancy 15.1 The needs of Havebury Housing Partnership as a business in terms of its development commitment will be taken into account when granting tenancies at affordable rent, which is 80% of market rent. 15.2 The financial circumstances of the tenant will be assessed, taking as its basis an affordability figure of a maximum rental of 33% of a tenant's average net income. 15.3 The circumstances of the tenant including any increase or decrease in their earning ability or income will be taken into account when determining their future rent level. 16. Tenants Need Assessment at Renewal of a Fixed Term Tenancy 16.1 The full assessment will take into account earnings, savings, inheritance sums and other residual resources. The assessment will take into account the average property prices in the area for the type of accommodation needed by the household and the ability of the tenant to acquire a mortgage and maintain required repayments based on a realistic assessment of their financial position and commitments. 16.2 It will be considered that household income exceeding 60,000 would enable to tenant to source alternative appropriate accommodation. 16.3 An assessment of the accommodation and its suitability to meet the needs of each household member will be undertaken. Page 11 of 18
16.4 This assessment will include i. Location of property ii. Property type iii. Property attributes, for example adaptations for disabled use iv. Access v. Ground floor facilities, wheelchair accessibility vi Demand for the accommodation 16.5 An assessment may reveal either: i. That the property and its attributes do not meet the household's needs, or ii. That the property is unsuitable for an individual family member 16.6 Where either of these factors at 16.3 is found, support and advice will be given. This will be available for all members of the household to seek rehousing either as a family or if appropriate, individually to suitable accommodation which meets their need. 17. Accommodation size requirement 17.1 An assessment will be done to ensure that the property is appropriate for the household size and is affordable. This will use the government Local Housing Allowance guidelines which are: 17.2 1 bedroom is allowed for Each adult couple Any other adult aged 16 or over (including full time permanent carers required for the tenant or an existing member of their household) Any two children under 10 Any two children of the same sex aged under 16 Any other child 17.3. As part of the assessment, the tenant and any members of the household aged 17 or over will be given appropriate advice on issues such as: i. non dependant housing benefit deductions ii. registration on the housing register iii. other appropriate housing options 18. Breaches in tenancy 18.1 In determining whether the tenancy will be renewed, consideration will be given to the manner in which the tenancy has been conducted. This will take into account: Page 12 of 18
i. Suspended Possession Orders for rent arrears and/or antisocial behaviour ii. Demoted tenancies for antisocial behaviour iii. Injunctions for antisocial behaviour iv. Where there is any ongoing action associated with a breach of the tenancy v. Whether the property is being maintained in a condition that complies with the terms of the tenancy agreement. Vi Any criminal convictions or formal enforcement action by the Police, Local Authority or any other statutory agency for offences connected to anti-social behaviour or serious criminal acts committed in the local area 19. Supported Accommodation 19.1 Havebury recognises that not all applicants registered for housing are able to live independently in accommodation. To meet the needs of applicants who require additional support, Havebury will work with the appropriate Health, Social Care and voluntary agencies to ensure that a support assessment is carried out, a risk assessment where appropriate, and that accommodation is offered in association with an additional support package. The tenancy may be subject to a Deed of Variance, but also in some cases the applicant will be made aware that the offer of accommodation is subject to them accepting the support package which has been planned. The support package will be reviewed at least once every six months to ensure that it is relevant and appropriate. 20. Nominations 20.1 To ensure the needs of more vulnerable applicants are met, Havebury will respond to requests from the Council to offer nominations to care agencies, so that accommodation can be offered outside the normal priority bands and with the associated care and support packages agreed with the appropriate provider. Any such offers will be included in the overall sum of properties available to the Council. 20.2 The Council will access at least 75% of true voids, ie either relets or new properties, to meet the needs of homeless applicants and other applicants. 20.3 Some degree of under-letting may also be permitted to encourage tenants to transfer from large properties, for example, single people or couples leaving two, three, four or five bedroom houses would be considered for two bedroom flats or bungalows, subject to the tenants ability and agreement to pay any rents due over and above their housing benefit entitlement. Page 13 of 18
21. Local Letting Policies 21.1 Where steps are needed to prevent or reverse social conditions in an area which are threatening the housing rights of most residents or the value of the stock, where the needs of the accommodation type and locality demand a specific letting policy, or where the letting balance needs to be amended to comply with the organisation's Worklessness strategy, as support by the local authority Tenancy Strategy.. If these circumstances can be demonstrated, then Havebury would consider adopting a Local Lettings Policy. This Policy can override the priority normally given to those in greatest need as assessed by the banding scheme but must meet the following conditions:- i. It is exceptional and has been approved by the relevant local authority and by the Operational Board. ii. iii. iv. It is within a clearly defined geographic area. It has defined objectives such as preventing or tackling social problems in that area where they can be demonstrated to exist. It is part of a strategy for tackling these problems which involves a revised approach to housing management or the physical aspects of the homes in question, or both. v. It will not last for more than three years, after which approval for an extension may be applied for from the relevant regulatory body. vi. vii. It includes arrangements for monitoring and reporting of progress and achieving the objectives. Where the details relating to the Local Lettings Policy have been reported to the relevant regional office of the relevant regulatory body. 22. Mutual Exchanges 22.1 Havebury will promote mutual exchanges as a means of making best use of the stock. 22.2 Mutual Exchanges may involve direct swaps with another tenant, or a group of tenancies. Exchanges, with Havebury s permission, will be possible with tenants outside of Havebury s stock and with other local authorities and registered providers. 22.3 In general where there is a mutual exchange of properties, the size of the property should match the needs of the incoming tenant in line Page 14 of 18
with the accommodation size requirement set out in Clause 17. However, a spare bedroom may be allowed in some circumstances, for instance where it does not result in affordability issues for the incoming tenant. Two or more spare bedrooms will result in the refusal of the proposed exchange, except in exceptional circumstances. 22.4 The right to exchange may be made conditional, for example, a clear rent account will be required, unless this creates extreme hardship, or it may be necessary to resolve a breach of tenancy, before the exchange can be approved. The exchange may also be refused if the property is adapted or specially designed for a particular need group, where the applicant has no such need. 22.5 Mutual exchanges will normally be formalised by a Deed of Assignment, in which parties will assign their tenancies to each other. Some exchanges involving fixed term tenancies will be undertaken by surrender and re-grant, as permitted by the Localism Act 2011. 22.6 All mutual exchange applications to move will be acknowledged within 10 days, indicating at the time if there are any grounds for refusal. Any further grounds for refusal will be notified to applicants as they arise. Before 42 days have elapsed from the date of application Havebury will complete relevant background and property checks. If the exchange can be approved applicants will be notified before the expiry of the 42 day period. Where application forms are received from multiple parties in one exchange the date of application will be recorded as the date on which the latest application is received. 22.7 Havebury is committed to promoting its mutual exchange scheme, and will participate in the cross boundary exchange scheme. It will assist tenants seeking alternative accommodation by way of exchange both within its own stock, and with tenants of other landlords. 23. Assignment of Tenancy 23.1 Havebury will deal with all applications for assignment promptly, fairly and efficiently. Where an assignment is decreed by the Court, Havebury will act in accordance with the Court s determination. Where an application is made by a tenant wishing to assign their tenancy to a potential successor, Havebury will investigate to confirm the circumstances of the assignee, and determine whether the assignment is permitted within the terms of the tenant s tenancy agreement. 23.2 Where applications for assignment are agreed by Havebury, it will make the necessary administrative changes quickly and no later than within 42 days. Where applications are turned down, Havebury will Page 15 of 18
inform the tenant of this, stating the reasons for the refusal by the most appropriate method of communication. 24. Succession to Tenancy 24.1 All successions to tenancies granted prior to the transfer of the stock to Havebury will not be taken into account and so some tenancies may benefit from the ability to pass the tenancy on again to a qualifying resident. 24.2 Havebury will make no distinction between married couples, civil partners and people living together as if they are married or in a civil partnership arrangement. Succession is permitted for other members of the family, provided they have been living with the tenant as their main or only home for at least one year prior to the death of the tenant. Havebury will permit succession to a person not of the tenant s family who has been living with the tenant as their only or main home for one year prior to the tenant s death and who has been looking after the tenant in that time. Havebury will also consider passing the tenancy on where the household member has accepted responsibility for the tenants dependants. 24.3 Even where there is no automatic right to succeed, Havebury will consider assisting by offering a tenancy in the circumstances described in Clause 26.2 if by not taking such action this would result in homelessness. Any such action will be approved by the Head of Housing, Head of Assets or Director of Operations in consultation with the Chair of the Operational Board. 24.4 Succeeding household members will be at their current address unless the accommodation is specially designed or adapted for a particular needs group and there is demand for such a vacancy, or the property would be seriously under occupied or overcrowded, i.e. two bedrooms or more in excess. In the case of under-occupation, a judgement would be made in relation to the housing demands of the particular area. The needs of vulnerable household members will also be taken into account. 25. Monitoring 25.1 Policies relating to Allocations and the granting of Tenancies will be reviewed regularly to ensure that they are achieving their objectives within what is likely to be a rapidly changing environment. 25.2 Havebury will be responsible for developing appropriate systems and procedures for collecting and providing data cost effectively to:- i. The Performance and Scrutiny Panel ii. The Operational Board iii. The relevant regulatory body. Page 16 of 18
25.3 The Partnership will report on:- i. the number of applicants accommodated from the Choice Based Lettings scheme and Transfer List, details of the types of households and accommodation offered along with details of disability and ethnic groups; ii. any data required by fully participating in CORE. 25.4 Any change in the Lettings Policy will be subject to consultation with SEBC. The monitoring of the Lettings Policy will particularly consider age, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation and disability to ensure there is no indirect discrimination against any particular group. It will also review whether Havebury is making best use of the stock to move tenants living in Supported Accommodation on promptly to more independent accommodation, when they are ready. 26. Definition of Working Household and Training 26.1 In line with the Local Authority Tenancy Strategy, and the HAC guidelines on letting Affordable Rent properties, Havebury Housing Partnership will consider giving priority to up to 40% of its affordable rent properties to applicants that can provide evidence that they are working 16 or more hours each week. 26.2 Definition of Working Households Households where at least one adult household member is in employment. For the purposes of this Allocations Policy employment is described as having a permanent contract, working as a temporary member of staff or being self-employed. Applicants will only qualify if the worker has been employed for 6 out of the last 12 months. Verification will be sought at point of application as well as point of offer under the same terms. Applicants must provide payslips, P60, bank statements or a verifying letter on headed paper in order to qualify. 26.3 Training or Education We want to encourage people to move closer to gaining paid employment by gaining employability skills and becoming job ready. This may be achieved by attending higher or further education or by accessing a longer vocational course of study or engaging in a programme of work-related training courses. In all cases the course of study must lead to achieving accredited qualifications and / or certification by a registered awarding body. 26.4 Study or training may be undertaken at a range of recognised institutions and organisations such as: Further Education College; registered Private Training Provider; registered Voluntary Sector Organisation or University. Page 17 of 18
26.5 To be eligible for the vocational training award a person must initially access a recognised Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service, such as Next Steps for Adults or Connexions for young people up to age 19 years to develop an agreed employment action plan and to be signposted to relevant training providers. Candidates must be working towards gaining employment in a vocational occupation. 26.6 A person must have been studying or training against the eligible criteria and definition outlined, for a continuous period of at least 6 months up to the point of offer. Training must be in addition to, or supplementary to any mandatory training required and may be undertaken in conjunction with volunteering to gain further knowledge and experience. Training must be a minimum of 10 hours a month. 26.7. Evidence required for Training element Further/higher education candidates must supply evidence of: letter from college or university confirming participation in course of study for period of 6 months For vocational training award the following evidence must be provided: an agreed employment action plan developed through a recognised IAG service plus verification of steps taken towards achievement of action plan targets certificate or letter from a registered awarding body for the course or by a recognised training provider as evidence of gaining a recognised vocational qualification or successfully completing accredited work-related training (over a continuous period of at least 6 months) Page 18 of 18