Decision details

          The Board considered a report of the Executive Director - Adults, that sought approval for the implementation of several changes to the Property Pool Plus Housing Allocations Scheme. The report set out details of the three significant changes, and a number of minor policy changes to the Scheme.

          The Scheme was currently jointly administered across the five Local Authority areas of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral. Halton Housing had maintained the housing register and allocations contract for many years. It was noted that the contract was due to cease in March 2026 and it was now necessary to consider the future validity of the administration of the Scheme.

Reason(s) for Decision

To ensure that the Allocations Policy is in line with current legislation case law, good practice, and meets local priorities it is necessary to periodically update and review the current iteration. The existing scheme has been in operation since January 2024.

The changes being proposed fall into three categories: three significant changes to assist the participating local authorities to respond more effectively to the demand on for social housing, minor policy changes that will impact a relatively small number of applicants; minor changes to improve clarity.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

The option to continue to operate the current scheme policy without change has been considered but discounted due to the need for the Council to improve its ability to meet housing need in the area and to respond to the increased demand on homelessness services and associated temporary accommodation pressures.

Implementation Date

The Property Pool Plus Housing Allocations Scheme is a jointly administered scheme across the five Local Authority areas of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral. Each Local Authority will seek approval from their respective Management Boards, with a view that the policy will be implemented July/August 2025.

          RESOLVED:

1)    the report be noted;

2)    the Board approve the proposed changes to the Housing Allocations Scheme Policy (Property Pool Plus); and

3)    the relevant Policy and Performance Boards be requested to review Property Pool Plus Housing Allocation Scheme during the current year.