The Director of Housing has submitted a report to approve the new draft Social Housing Allocations Scheme for Oxford, following public consultation.

Recommendation: That Council resolves to:

1.    Approve the new draft Social Housing Allocations Scheme for Oxford;

2.    Delegate authority to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to authorise the date on which the Allocations Scheme is implemented, noting the explanation and timelines in paragraph 23;

3.    Delegate authority to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to make minor changes to the Allocations Scheme in order to comply with changes to legislative and statutory guidance, related Council policies (approved by Cabinet) and to make technical changes to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the scheme.

Council resolved to:

1.    Approve the new draft Social Housing Allocations Scheme for Oxford;

2.    Delegate authority to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to authorise the date on which the Allocations Scheme is implemented, noting the explanation and timelines in paragraph 23;

3.    Delegate authority to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to make minor changes to the Allocations Scheme in order to comply with changes to legislative and statutory guidance, related Council policies (approved by Cabinet) and to make technical changes to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the scheme.

The Director of Housing has submitted a report to approve the new draft Social Housing Allocations Scheme for Oxford, following public consultation. 

Councillor Linda Smith introduced the report and emphasised the housing affordability issues in Oxford. Council understood that despite efforts, demand for social housing continues to be greater than the supply; over 3900 households are currently on the local housing register. Councillor Linda Smith outlined that allocation of social housing must be fairly and transparently and explain the steps within this report designed to support this. Council understood that that allocation scheme had completed a consultation period and improvements had been identified and implemented; much of the existing allocation scheme was understood to be working well and has been retained. 

Councillor Arshad rejoined the meeting.  

Councillor Fouweather welcomed the report but queried how the new allocation scheme would fit with the Council’s existing damp and mould policy. Councillor Linda Smith noted that separate policies to manage damp and mould were approved by Council in November 2024 and the matters are also taken seriously. 

Councillor Fouweather suggested that allocations scheme, as set out, does not pay attention to the damp and mould policy as people affected would not be automatically given increased allocation. Councillor Linda Smith explained that that the Council does not wish for any property to be affected by damp and mould, therefore people will be moved as required on a case-by-case basis, but the allocation scheme does not automatically make provision for this as a normal scenario.  

Councillor Fouweather queried what impact the implementation phases of the Social Housing Act 2023 would have on the new allocations scheme in 2026 and 2027. Councillor Linda Smith committed to setting out a detailed response in writing.  

Councillor Miles requested clarification relating to the qualification of tenants who live in social housing outside of the city but need to relocate or commute in order to work in Oxford. It was suggested this could cause hardship. Secondly, Councillor Miles asked how far outside of the city people must live for the relevant clause to apply. Councillor Linda Smith explained that this would be considered on a case-by-case basis and committed to write with a detailed response.  

Councillor Rowley welcomed the improvements to the allocation scheme as set out in the report and asked, in relation to page 126, whether any changes have occurred for those families with children between the ages of 18 and 22. Councillor Linda Smith explained that there would be no changes for existing tenants, but that those bidding for a new property would be affected. 

Councillor Linda Smith moved the report. Upon being seconded by Councillor Brown, the recommendations were put to a vote and agreed. 

Council resolved to:

1.    Approve the new draft Social Housing Allocations Scheme for Oxford;

2.    Delegate authority to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to authorise the date on which the Allocations Scheme is implemented, noting the explanation and timelines in paragraph 23;

3.    Delegate authority to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to make minor changes to the Allocations Scheme in order to comply with changes to legislative and statutory guidance, related Council policies (approved by Cabinet) and to make technical changes to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the scheme.