A new era for social housing Social housing as we know it is about to change. In November of this year the Localism Bill was passed, shifting a number of powers and responsibilities from central government into the hands of individuals, communities and councils. As part of the bill, councils have been given the control to develop new local rules for social housing that fit the needs of each individual borough. To do this Brent will consult with residents and use your feedback to help create the Brent Tenancy Strategy which will set out Brent’s new policy. These changes will then be introduced in 2012/13. Although existing tenants won’t be affected, many new social housing tenants will. Tell us the changes you think need to be made to social housing in Brent. Email brenttenancystrategy @brent.gov.uk call 020 8937 2343 and visit www.brent.gov.uk/consultation in the New Year.
The changes up for consultation: The housing waiting list
End of lifetime tenancies
There are over 15,000 households on Brent’s housing waiting list and it’s growing. New powers will give councils more freedom to decide who qualifies to go on the list. Councils can also give additional priority status, for example to households who are in work.
Under the new rules councils and housing associations will be able to grant a fixed tenancy of two, five years or longer as well as retaining the option to grant a lifetime tenancy.
Homelessness Homeless households in priority need can choose to wait for a council home to become available or, with their agreement, be offered a suitable private rented sector home. New rules will mean councils can place some homeless families in private accommodation without giving the option of waiting for a council home.
Succession rights New laws will only allow for the tenancy holder to pass their social housing on to one person, either a spouse or a partner, ending the two discretionary succession rights that tenants have now, unless the council adopts its own rules.
Affordable rent To cover the cost of changes to the way new social housing is funded, housing associations can offer affordable rent at up to 80 per cent of local market rents on new homes and some existing homes when they are let.
DECEMBER 2011/ JANUARY 2012
THE BRENT MAGAZINE
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