Issue - meetings

Report number TSE00040 by the Corporate Governance and Housing Portfolio Holder.                                                                                  (Enclosure)                                                                         

DECISION:

To approve in principle to:

1)  The introduction of a Choice Based Lettings scheme (CBL)

2)  A partnership approach in preference to a stand alone                         scheme

          Subject to 1 and 2 above Cabinet approves authority to:

(i)    The service managers for Tenancy & Neighbourhood Services and Housing Solutions to progress negotiations     with Peterborough City Council (PCC) to conclude an    agreement to provide the Choice Based Letting scheme on         behalf of SKDC subject to being within the indicative costs   identified;

(ii)  Delegate to the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Governance   and Housing, being satisfied with the contractual          arrangements and the outcomes of a full equality and      diversity impact assessment, and comments received   following public consultation, to make the final decision on    the Choice Based letting scheme to be adopted.

Considerations/reasons for decision:

1)    Report number TES00040 by the Portfolio Holder for        Corporate Governance and Housing.

2)    Comments made at the meeting by the Tenancy & Neighbourhood Services Manager regarding the need for an      in principle agreement in order for negotiations to continue.

3)    Comments made by Cabinet Members regarding the need          to find the most beneficial outcome for South Kesteven.

Other options considered:

There remains an option to maintain our existing approach but it is not regarded to be prudent having regard for legislation, guidance and likely impact on the service and the customer. We were also involved in discussions to join a single Lincolnshire Sub-Regional Scheme but have not been a party to those discussions since June 2009 when it became apparent that the single scheme approach would not be progressed and that alternative solutions were being drawn up along housing market areas.