The Director of Housing has submitted a report to recommend approval of the updated new Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy.

Recommendation: That Council resolves to:

1.    Approve and adopt the draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy.

2.    Delegate authority to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, authority to update the Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy with minor amendments to keep the documents up to date with any future changes in legislation, regulations, governance and best practice.

Council resolved to:

1.       Approve and adopt the draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy.

2.       Delegate authority to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, authority to update the Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy with minor amendments to keep the documents up to date with any future changes in legislation, regulations, governance and best practice.

The Director of Housing submitted a report to recommend approval of the updated new Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy.

Councillor Smith introduced the report, explaining that as a housing authority, Council had a duty to publish the tenancy strategy outlining requirements and expectations for all registered social housing providers. She noted that social landlords were required to publish a tenancy policy to ensure compliance with the citywide strategy. The core principles of the new strategy remained consistent with the council's long-standing approach, emphasising secure or assured social tenancies at social rent where possible, or affordable rents at local housing allowance levels, typically 60%, of market rent rather than 80% used nationally. Support for tenants was expected from social landlords, with the strategy placing greater emphasis on cooperation and action to address homelessness, domestic abuse and antisocial behaviour. Councillor Smith also mentioned that housing associations were expected to collaborate with the Council to optimise property use through the shared register for affordable housing. Proper procedures were to be in place to assist tenants who were overcrowded, living in unsuitable housing or seeking to downsize. The strategy and policy underwent public consultation, focusing on feedback from housing association and Council tenant, which received a positive response.

On being seconded by Councillor Brown, the recommendations were put to the vote and agreed.

Council resolved to:

1.       Approve and adopt the draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy.

2.       Delegate authority to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, authority to update the Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy with minor amendments to keep the documents up to date with any future changes in legislation, regulations, governance and best practice.