Local Letting Initiative for the allocation of properties within specific rural areas of Clydesdale during 2011/12
Local Letting Initiative for the allocation of properties within specific rural areas of Clydesdale during 2011/12 | South Lanarkshire Council
| Title | Local Letting Initiative for the allocation of properties within specific rural areas of Clydesdale during 2011/12 |
| Council Resource | Finance and Corporate |
| Service Area | Housing & Technical Resources |
| Aims and Objectives | The housing allocation policy sets out the basis on which all Council housing will be allocated. Allocations to Council properties are made on the basis of an assessment of the cumulative housing needs of the applicant. Local Letting Initiatives (LLIs) provide the means for varying the allocation policy in order to take account of local needs, demands and circumstances. The purpose of this LLI is to give priority for housing to applicants who can demonstrate that they have a social or economic connection with the following rural villages of Clydesdale; Glespin, Douglas, Douglas Water, Rigside, Forth (East) and Carstairs Junction. In addition, the LLI sets a lower target for properties let within these villages to applicants on the Urgent Housing Need list (predominately homeless applicants). It is evident that these areas have various economic and social challenges, including a lack of infrastructure, amenities and employment opportunities. It is also recognised that tenancies which have a local connection are more likely to be successful and therefore will help to achieve a more sustainable community. Applicants on the Urgent Housing Need list are more likely to have complex needs and may be more likely to have difficulty in sustaining a tenancy, even with support, particularly in these areas (due to the lack of amenities and infrastructure). Therefore restricting the number of lets to the Urgent Housing Need list will also help to improve stability and sustainability within these communities. The LLI will be monitored and reviewed on an annual basis. |
| Conclusion | The Local Letting Initiative (LLI) provides the means to vary the housing allocation policy and allow applicants with a social or economic connection to be prioritised for housing. The LLI will restrict the number of lets to the Urgent Housing Need list, by setting a lower target in the following villages; Glespin, Douglas, Douglas Water, Rigside, Carstairs Junction and Forth (East). These areas equate to 17% of the total stock in Clydesdale. These areas are characterised by a lack of facilities, transport links and employment opportunities, as well as having higher rates of tenancy breakdown. It is recognised that those who do not have a connection to the area are more likely to have difficulty in sustaining a tenancy there, particularly those on the Urgent Housing Need list, who are more likely to have higher support needs. The LLI aims to increase the sustainability of these areas. In 2011/12 the target for lets to the Urgent Housing Need list in these areas, will be reduced to 25%-30%, compared with 40%-45% in Clydesdale as a whole. The Equality Impact Assessment has found that while the initiative is relevant to everyone on the housing list and in particular applicants to these areas and Urgent Housing Need applicants, it is not anticipated to have a significant adverse impact on any equality group. All applicants can apply to be housed within these areas, however priority will be based on applicants needs and circumstances, identified through the assessment process. All allocations will be made in accordance with the housing allocation policy, based on a cumulative assessment of housing need. For Urgent Housing Need applicants, the reduction in the target of lets in these areas, will be compensated for in other areas of Clydesdale. The LLI will be routinely monitored and reviewed on annual basis to ensure it is operating effectively, outcomes are as expected and to assess whether it is still required. |
| Completion date | Pre 2014 |
| Contact Email address | equalities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk |
| Area | Clydesdale |
