Decision details

(a) Decision(s)

(1)          That the information obtained through the formal consultation process be noted and the Environment and Living Scrutiny Committee be thanked for its input to the update process.

(2)          That, subject to any amendments made in accordance with (3) below, The revised Bucks Home Choice Allocation Policy (which forms part of the Council’s Policy Framework), be submitted to full Council on 17 April 2019 for approval.

(3)          That the relevant Director, after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities, be authorised to make any necessary amendments to the Policy to take account of further legal advice as to the qualification of those guilty of anti-social behaviour, prior to submission to Council for final approval.

(4)          That it be recognised that the policy would need to be re-visited as part of the transition to the new unitary authority and in particular how it would operate across a much larger authority area in terms of local connections.

(b) Reasons(s) for Decision

To ensure that the Policy is fully legally compliant and aligned to the Homelessness Reduction Act and makes the very best use of social housing stock across the District. Cabinet was advised that the Bucks Home Choice Partnership was awaiting legal advice in relation to the qualification of those guilty of ant-social behaviour, hence the need for delegated power to be given as described above to take account of any further changes that might be necessary. Cabinet was also aware that as part of the work towards transition to a new unitary authority would require consideration to be given to how local connections might be defined in the future.

(c) Alternative Options Considered

To do nothing but this would mean that the current policy would be unlawful in some areas.

(d) Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Environment and Living.  That Committee had considered the report at its meeting on 29 October, 2018. And its views taken into account in making the above decisions.

Cabinet’s final recommendation will now be considered by full Council and therefore is not subject to call-in. To allow time for the legal advice to be analysed, the revised policy would be reported to Council on 12 April, 2019.

(e) Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.