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0117 2022/23
16/12/2022
Thatto Heath
Local Lettings Policy for new units at Springfield, Thatto Heath
To approve the attached Local Lettings Policy for new units of affordable accommodation at Springfield in Thato Heath.
To seek approval for a Local Lettings Policy that will ensure the best use of affordable housing units in the locality where they have been built. The Local Lettings Policy will set out how the new units at Springfield, Thatto Heath will be allocated.
Torus are bringing forward a total of 30 units of affordable rented accommodation at land Springfield within Thatto Heath ward. A Local Lettings Policy is required as a scheme-specific amendment to the Housing Allocation Scheme. The attached LLP once approved will see preference for the houses and bungalows given to applicants on the following basis to ensure a balanced community: Houses - 40% will be allocated to applicants who are in full or part-time employment, education or training - 60% will be allocated to applicants who are not in employment Bungalows - Applicants to be referred for the project from a qualified Occupational Therapist, and - Following application, be assessed by a qualified Occupational Therapist as an applicant or as a member of the applicant’s family and have a medical need for this type of housing which is not already met by their existing accommodation. And who also have a local connection to Thatto Heath / St Helens Local connection will be defined as applying to applicants who fall into the following categories: - The applicant has resided in Thatto Heath / St Helens by choice for at least 3 of the last 5 years. - The applicant or their family has settled employment in Thatto Heath / St. Helens (e.g. employed for more than six months). - Has close family relatives (e.g. parents or children) who currently reside in Thatto Heath / St. Helens. - Has special circumstances that gives rise to a local connection e.g. provides or receives care and support to or from someone within Thatto Heath / St Helens. The above preference will allow for a mix of applicants including those in employment, education and training who are local to the area, to access affordable accommodation in this area which may otherwise not be available to these categories of person. This is consistent with the purpose of Local Lettings Polices to ensure the needs of that locality are met. Section 166A(6)(b) of the Housing Act 1996 enables housing authorities to allocate particular accommodation to people of a particular description, whether or not they fall within the reasonable preference categories, provided that overall the authority is able to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of section 166A(3). This is the statutory basis for ‘local lettings policies’ which may be used to achieve a wide variety of housing management and policy objectives. Consultation has taken place with the Ward Councillors in Thatto Heath in respect of the proposed LLP. The policy will run for an initial period of 12 months commencing December 2022. After this period, the LLP will be reviewed by Torus in consultation with the Council, local residents and Ward Members.
Approval of the proposed local lettings policy will allow local people to benefit from the new housing and ensure a mixed community from first allocation.
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Please contact Lee Norman on 01744 676230
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