Halton Housing Trust Local Lettings Framework Procedural Document

Halton Housing Trust Local Lettings Framework Procedural Document

LOCAL LETTINGS FRAMEWORK
LINNAL PARK, HALEBANK, WIDNES, CHESHIRE
This Local Lettings Plan applies to the Linnal ParkNew Build Development site which is under construction and due for completion in September 2015. The site consists of 34 plots of 24 - 2 bedroom houses and 10 – 1 bedroom apartments
The site is situated on Hale Bank Road,in the Hale Bank area of Widnes
There is no current evidence of Anti-social behaviour in this area.
1.Approval reasons - Statement
The introduction of a local lettings plan in Hale Bank is based upon the Trust’s desire to ensure a balanced community where sustainable tenancies can be achieved, as has been proven with the Hale Bank Apartment refurbishment scheme at Clapgate Crescent in Hale Bank.
The structure of the Property Pool Plus Banding system (A to F) results in customers (who are working) havinglow priority need and therefore are unlikely to obtain an offer within this area. However, the introduction of the Allocations Code of Guidance allows more flexibility to “encourage work and mobility” and expects “social homes will go to those who genuinely need them, such as hard working families…”
The Trust therefore proposes to introduce a quota of 25%Band D applicants who are working and do have a low priority housing need to ensure a mix of applicants is achieved within this development to mitigate potential risks associated with affordability.
It is important that all customers have the ability to afford the rent payable and therefore each customer will be required to undertake an affordability assessment. The aim of the assessment is not in response to an existing risk but to reduce any potential risk as a result of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and provide customers with the ability to make an informed decision when an offer is made.
In considering the Local Lettings Plan at Linnal Park,preference will also be given to couples, where appropriate. The aim is to achieve reduced child density at the start of the development, leading to growth over time and a 25% quota is proposed. This group of customers will potentially be a mix of those working and not working and will straddle the additional preference bands A to C.
Some 50% of the lettings will be made up of customers within the additional preference groups in line with the Property Pool Plus Policy to ensure that the Trust achieves a balanced and cohesive community where tenancies are sustained.
It is envisaged that customers currently in Band A and B under-occupying their homes by 1 or 2 bedrooms respectively will be captured within the 50% quota outlined above. Preference will also be given to HHT transfers who have conducted their tenancy in a satisfactory way.
3. List ofDocumentary evidence
  • Halton Housing Trust Local Lettings Framework Procedural document.
  • Plans of the Linnel Park Site
  • Completed HHT Evidence Pro Forma
  • Demand statistics for Hale Bank
  • Property Pool Plus Banding breakdown.
/ Responsibility
Director of Customer Services
LOCAL LETTINGS PLAN
LINNAL PARK,HALE BANK, WIDNES, CHESHIRE
The Linnal Park New Build Scheme, HaleBank, Widnes, Cheshire Local Lettings Plan applies to plots1 to 34.
Conditions Applied
  1. These homes will be let at affordable rents.
  1. The local lettings plan at Linnal Parkwill give priority to applicants who are working, seeking work or who currently make a contribution to the community.
  1. Couples without children will be considered to reduce the density of children in the area.
  1. Applicants who are pregnant at the time of advertising will also be given consideration in line with the Property Pool Plus Policy.
  1. Starter tenancies will be given to any new customers
  1. There is a right to an internal review for any individual allocation decision.
  1. This plan will be reviewed on a 12 monthly basis
  1. This plan will be effective from July 2015 and will be reviewed 12 months thereafter.
/ Responsibility
Housing Services Manager
Housing Options Manager
LOCAL LETTINGS PLAN
STAFF GUIDANCE
The following procedure will take place whenever there is a vacant property for the LINNAL PARK New Build Scheme, Hale Bank, Widnes.
  1. Property handover is received from builder
  1. Properties will be advertised outlining the Local Lettings Plan for the particular area/scheme.
  1. The Housing Options Team will produce a shortlist following closure of the advertising cycle.
  1. A provisional offer letter is prepared for the prospective customer it must advise that expressing an interest in a tenancy for the accommodation covered by the Local Lettings Plan that the following the following conditions apply: -
  • An interview with the Welfare Rights/Benefit Advisor where necessary
  • Provision of 2 appropriate character references (one from their employer)
  • Proof of income
  • Agreement to sign a Good Neighbour Contract
  • Experian Check
This process is in addition to the adherence of the verification process already in place and must be completed within 5 working days before a viewing takes place.
  1. The formal offer letters to include a statement about the community within the new build scheme at Linnel Park and the presence of residents’ association where appropriate groups exist.
  1. Before any sign-up takes place the Housing Options Advisor must check and discuss any issues with the Housing Services Manager and the Housing Options Manager to ensure they have seen:
  • the shortlist
  • two references
  • the results of Welfare Rights/ Benefits interview where necessary
  • Customer is agreeable to be signed up to the Good Neighbour Contract
Only once all these checks have been undertaken an applicant can proceed to viewing a property and sign up. / Responsibility
Housing Options
Team

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