Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation regarding the review of the current Housing Allocations System.

The Chairman welcomed Nicole Smith, Head of Strategic Housing at Wiltshire Council, and Dave Ball from Aster, who were present to speak about housing need in the Marlborough Community Area and the review of Wiltshire’s Housing Allocations system.

Nicole introduced the item, by outlining some statistical information on the population, basic stock profile and housing register in relation to the Marlborough Community Area.  This information is attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.

In relation to lettings going to local people, Nicole noted that 90% of new letting had gone to people with a local connection (18 out of 20 in the community area).

Nicole also explained about the new arrangements on underoccupation.  Working age tenants who were underoccupying by one bedroom would have a 14% reduction in their housing benefit, with a 25% reduction for two or more bedrooms.  21 households in the Marlborough Community Area had been identified as forecast to lose £20+ per week, and work was being done to prepare these households in advance of the new arrangements taking effect in April.

Dave Ball set out the background to Aster Group, and explained that £1.5 million savings identified through the Customer Boards was being reinvested into communities, including projects such as the Acres in Marlborough, where £21K had been spent on environmental works.  Other projects included community activities, and the neighbourhood approach, whereby neighbourhood “zones” were given £16K to spend on local improvements and priorities.

Nicole then sought input from the meeting on the review of the Council’s Housing Allocations system. Those present were asked to give their views on a number of issues relating to how applicant qualified for social housing.  Those present were invited to give their views using the electronic voting handsets:

Nicole thanked everyone for taking part, and emphasised that anyone who wished to get more involved with the review could contact her on 01225 776655 / Nicole.smith@wiltshire.gov.uk