The Cabinet Member for Housing introduced the report which sought to adopt the Housing Allocations Policy 2020.  He explained that a public consultation on the policy had been carried out and said that it was a fair, transparent and liberal policy which would enable the Council to make efficient use of affordable housing, prioritising those with the greatest need. 

The Cabinet Member for Housing said that the respondents to the public consultation broadly agreed with the changes proposed, although a minority wanted to prevent the introduction of the lower residency criteria.  He explained that the current criteria of living in the Borough for 4 out of 5 years caused significant issues and was excessive compared to other Councils, and Government guidelines which recommended 2 years as proposed in the new Policy.

The Cabinet Member for Housing drew attention to Band E: Rural Housing on page 147 of the Agenda which, as a result of the consultation, had been expanded to include residents who qualified for community-led housing from the Community Land Trust.

The Cabinet Member for Planning congratulated the Cabinet Member for Housing on the Policy and said it was the correct way forward.

A Member agreed that those in the highest need should be prioritised but he did not think the policy addressed the existing need, and would increase the numbers to an unachievable level, giving non-residents more priority.  He expressed his disappointment that some comments arising out of the consultation had been disregarded.  In response, the Cabinet Member for Housing gave an example of how the current policy was unfair and said that living in a Borough for 2 years was standard criteria throughout the country.  He said the policy addressed the issue for those residents that had to leave the Swale area, for example due to educational or employment reasons, but it was still their home.  The Cabinet Member for Housing agreed that the new Policy would increase the numbers on the housing list but would allow the Council to gauge the issue.  Finally, he said that the Policy would meet the true needs of the Borough.

Resolved:

(1)  That the Housing Allocations Policy 2020 be adopted.