Decision details

Purpose of Report

The purpose of this report is to seek approval from the Cabinet Member for Housing, Leisure, Libraries and flooding to make two amendments to the Homes4Wiltshire policy (Appendix 1) that was approved by cabinet on 22 November 2013.

• To amend the bedroom standard criteria set within the policy to enable those over pensionable age to bid for 1 or 2 bedroom accommodation. 

• To include within the local connection section of the policy, that local connection to Extra Care accommodation will be defined within the Extra Care procedure.

Decision Made

Following consultation with officers I give notice that I have made the decision as set out in the attached report, which will be implemented five days following publication of this notice.

This decision was published on 3 February and will come into force on 11 February.

The proposed policy amendments are required in response to a number of

recommendations from those over state retirement age who have requested to move into 2 bed sheltered or bungalow accommodation but who have not been able too, as well as a recommendation from housings recent Peer Review who have suggested we review our allocations policy in regard to older people and the ability for them to be able to bid for 2 bed properties.

1.     To make no amendments to the existing allocation policy. 

This would mean we would not be taking forward the recommendation contained within the Peer Review and does not take on board the requests from housing providers and those of state of retirement age.  2 bed bungalows would continue to be difficult to let and we would not be taking on board the councils desire to enable older people to move into accommodation that they could remain in as their care needs increase 

2.     Adopt the proposed changes

See reason for proposal