The Head of Housing Services submitted a report to the City Executive Board on 13 June 2018 asking the Board to recommend to Council approval of the amended Draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-23 and associated appendices.

The report and appendices are attached here.

The City Executive Board agreed the recommendations in the report and resolved to recommend to Council the Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-23 and associated appendices presented to that meeting.

Councillor Rowley, Board Member forHousing, will move the recommendations.

Recommendation:  the City Executive Board recommends that Council resolves to:

approve the amended Draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-23 and associated appendices.

Councillor Iley-Williamson arrived during this item.

Council considered a report of the Head of Housing Services, submitted to the City Executive Board on 13 June 2018, recommending approval of the amended Draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-23 and associated appendices.

Councillor Rowley, Board Member for Housing, presented the report, answered questions and moved the recommendations which were adopted on being seconded and put to the vote.

Council resolved to

approve the amended Draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-23 and associated appendices.

The Head of Housing Services has submitted a reportto request the City Executive Board to recommend to Council approval of the amended Draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-23 (and associated appendices) following a 4 week period of public consultation.

Recommendations: that the City Executive Board resolves to:

1.    Note the amendments made to the draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-23 (and associated appendices) in response to feedback from public consultation; and 

2.    Recommend to Council, approval of the amended Draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-23 (and associated appendices).

The Head of Housing Services had submitted a reportto request the City Executive Board to recommend to Council approval of the amended Draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-23 (and associated appendices) following a 4 week period of public consultation.

Councillor Rowley  introduced the report. A  pre-consultation version of the strategy had been to the March meeting of the  CEB. He wished to draw the Board’s attention to just two points. The anticipated  Government  guidance on the mandatory use of Flexible Fixed Term Tenancies had yet to be published. It was therefore proposed that the Council should continue to issue introductory 12 month tenancies for new Council tenants. The consultation had indicated support that it was reasonable for rents to be based on a percentage of household income, an approach which would have implications for the Council’s Housing Company.

The Strategy and Service Development Manager noted that Appendix C of the Strategy (Oxford City Context) would be reviewed and updated annually.

The Chair thanked  all those who had contributed to this valuable piece of work.

The City Executive Board resolved to:

1.    Note the amendments made to the draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-23 (and associated appendices) in response to feedback from public consultation; and 

2.    Recommend to Council, approval of the amended Draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-23 (and associated appendices).

The Head of Housing Services has submitted a report  to request that the City Executive Board approves the Draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-2023 (and associated appendices) as draft documents to be published for a period of public consultation.

Recommendations:That the City Executive Board resolves to:

Approve the Draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-23 (and associated appendices) as draft documents to be published for a period of public and stakeholder consultation.

The Head of Housing Services had submitted a report  to request that the City Executive Board approves the Draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-2023 (and associated appendices) as draft documents to be published for a period of public consultation.

Cllr Rowley, Board Member for Housing,  introduced the report  by reminding those present that the current versions of the Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy were due for renewal in 2018.  He explained that in the absence of Government guidance on mandatory use of Flexible Fixed term Tenancies, the new draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-23 set out a continued commitment for the Council to offer only lifetime (secure) tenancies unless there is a legislative change or grant funding requirement to offer an alternative tenancy term. Should there be a need to update the Tenancy Strategy/Policy in relation to implementation of mandatory Flexible Fixed Term Tenancies, a further report and revised Tenancy Strategy and Policy will be presented to the City Executive Board.

The City Executive Board resolved to:

Approve the Draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-23 (and associated appendices) as draft documents to be published for a period of public and stakeholder consultation.

The Strategy and Service Development Manager introduced the report which was due to be presented to the City Executive Board on 20 March 2018. The report contained a Draft Tenancy Strategy and a Tenancy Policy, as the current policy was due for renewal. The Strategy and Service Development Manager highlighted key issues to the Panel, which included:

·         There were no fundamental changes to the proposed Strategy and Policy.

·         The Housing and Planning Act 2016 sets out a mandatory requirement for Local Authorities to offer flexible fixed term tenancies. However, until such time that guidance is issued on the implementation of this requirement, it is recommended that the City Council’s policy is to continue with its current offer of lifetime tenancies.

·         Some tenures were offered at 80% of the market rate (which were still above Local Housing Allowance rates) and shared ownerships options are still not affordable for many people.

·         The Strategy and Policy must be reviewed once the new regulations come into effect, and this will be brought back to the Panel and City Executive Board. 

Members of the Panel asked why some Local Authorities were already introducing flexible fixed tenancies. It was explained that these authorities would review the status of their tenants after 4 years to assess their affordability and whether they could downsize. This would lead to a higher rate of tenant turnover.

The Panel expressed concern over the impact the mandatory element of the new legislation could have on the City Council and its tenants. The Strategy and Service Development Manager explained that the new mandatory arrangements would require more resources to deal with an increase in occupancy reviews, and the need to support more housing reallocations. It was clarified that the mandatory fixed term tenancies would only apply to new tenants.

The Chair asked whether the current policy would lead to house blocking, where one tenant may occupy a larger home for an extended period of time. The Strategy and Service Development Manager said there were alternative provisions and incentives people to downsizing, and this was effectively managed without the need for fixed term tenancies.

The Housing Strategy and Needs Manager said some housing associations had already introduced flexible fixed tenancies for new tenants. The Council’s own housing company would set its own tenancy strategy, but had already committed to offering lifetime tenancies, as this was a condition of the Oxford Register of Affordable Housing.

The Head of Housing Services said Central Government’s intention was to reduce under-occupation through the mandatory arrangements. However, the Panel and the Board Member for Housing were concerned about the impact compulsory moves would have on tenant wellbeing, community cohesion and the maintenance of properties. The Panel were also concerned about the lack of good quality small housing units. Officers clarified that there may be exceptions for mandatory downsizing where children, for example, are living at home.

The Strategy and Service Development Manager explained that the Draft Strategy would go out for a four week public consultation on 21 March  ...  view the full minutes text for item 152