Review of the council's allocations policy
Contact officer: Kathy Duffy, vacants manager, Neighbourhood Management Services
Tel: 0151 225 8175
Email: Kathy.Duffy@liverpool.gov.uk
Start date: 1 April 2007
End date: 30 September 2007
Purpose of the exercise:
This consultation exercise will inform the development of the council's allocation policy
Who was consulted and how:
Council tenants and councillors were consulted via questionnaire
Who were the results of the exercise reported to:
The results were reported to the executive board
Note: Work is still be carried out on the review of the allocations policy. A report is due to go to the executive board at the end of March 2008. The findings of the exercise and changes to the service will be added after that.
What were the findings of the exercise:
No major areas of non-compliance with the statutory requirements within the existing policy was found. However, some areas where the policy could be strengthened were identified by the consultant who assessed the feedback. These were:
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a reduction in the number of bands.
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the establishment of targets for each band.
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a clear system that demonstrates we give 'priority' to certain applicants.
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a process that enables health factors to be taken into account.
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the offer process be tightened up.
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clear criteria to be given for what is considered to be a 'reasonable' offer.
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clear criteria given for the application of age restrictions for certain properties.
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the revision of the current method for identifying over-crowding to include lodgers who are over-crowded.
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a more robust approach to data collection and the analysis of lettings.
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the revision of the suspension policy.
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the development of common procedures in conjunction with registered social landlords.
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extend the access to the choice-based letting system, perhaps via local newspapers.
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provide comprehensive training to all front line staff.
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further investigation to be carried out to ensure that the council is doing its best to meet the housing needs of ethnic groups.
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steps are taken to encourage young families being displaced through the clearance proposals to accept temporary offers.
What were the changes to the service brought about as a result of the consultation:
Work has started to carry out the recommendations listed above.