1. Introduction. 2. Policy Statement

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Cornelia Nelson
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1 Allocation Policy

2 1. Introduction 1.1 Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) is a registered charity. It believes in equality of access to housing within its management recognising the diversity of applicants who may apply. 1.2 As a registered charity, KHT will ensure that in implementing this policy its obligations under charity law and pursuant to its charitable objects are met. It will therefore make every effort to see that those in need by virtue of their financial hardship, old age or vulnerability are provided with accommodation and relevant associated facilities. 1.3 KHT have signed up to the Merseyside Sub-Regional Property Pool Plus Scheme and have agreed that 80% of our general needs lettings each year will be made through this Scheme. This Policy outlines how we will allocate properties let outside the Scheme. 1.4 This policy compliments the Property Pool Plus Scheme and is aimed at applicants who require priority outside the Scheme in order to respond to local neighbourhood issues and priorities. 1.5 Any specialist accommodation such as supported housing will be allocated using specific criteria which will be agreed locally with partners. 2. Policy Statement 2.1 KHT will operate this Allocation Policy and the Property Pool Plus Scheme to ensure that it uses its housing stock effectively by allocating properties to those applicants in the most need. 2,2 The Policy will take account of individual circumstances of applicants and the makeup of our neighbourhoods to ensure that we create lasting sustainable and stable communities, including the use of Local lettings Plans. 2.3 The Policy aims to give flexibility to determine needs at a local level. It will give Housing Managers the ability to act quickly and respond positively to cases of exceptional need when appropriate. 3. Policy Detail 3.1 It is anticipated that a minimum of 80% of KHT properties will continue to be allocated through the Property Pool Plus Scheme. This Policy lays out how we will allocate properties let outside of the Property Pool Plus Scheme and which applicants will be given priority under this Policy. 3.2 In order to achieve and maintain balanced and stable communities and to help to address issues of falling demand, some properties will be allocated based on the customers ability to sustain the tenancy, their work /economic status or other criteria rather than on housing need. 3.3 In consultation with our Customers a number of groups have been identified whose circumstances would not necessarily mean that they would receive priority in the Property Pool Plus Scheme but who may require urgent rehousing, 3.4 The Property Pool Plus Scheme clearly lays down the eligibility rules for being accepted onto the Scheme and KHT will use the same rules for its own Allocation Policy with the following Page 2 of 5

3 exception. Where Applicants have Rent Arrears which are due to the Welfare Reform Changes being introduced in 2013 we may disregard those arrears in certain circumstances. 3.5 The table below identifies the various groups covered by this policy and the circumstances in which we would allocate them properties. Group Fire/Flood Cases Management Priority Applicants left in Possession of a KHT property Tenants affected by the Bedroom Tax Temporary Base for Contractors Adapted Properties Circumstances A KHT Housing Officer visits a property and determines that it is uninhabitable due to extensive repairs fire or flood damage. The tenant and family will be offered alternative property (either on a temporary or permanent basis) approved by a KHT manager. A KHT Housing Officer feels that a KHT tenant requires an urgent move due to their individual circumstances. A report will be written requesting a Management Priority move. This must be approved by two or more managers at Head of Service level or above... An applicant is left in possession of a KHT property and is not eligible to take up the tenancy under the Right of Succession or KHT s Left in Possession Policy, or the applicant does not wish to remain in the property. A KHT manager can approve one reasonable offer of accommodation. An applicant is identified as suffering extreme hardship due to Welfare Benefit Changes and in particular the introduction of the Bedroom Tax. Any offers of alternative accommodation must be approved by two or more managers at Head of Service level or above. A contractor is carrying out extensive programmed work on behalf of KHT and it is beneficial to our tenants that there is a local base where any queries they have can be dealt with. Any offers must be approved by a KHT Manager. A property becomes available which is particularly suitable for a disabled person due to extensive adaptations made to the property (e.g. through floor lift) The property will be referred to KHT adaptations team who will identify any suitable applicants. A suitable applicant will be directly matched outside of the Property Pool Plus system. Page 3 of 5

4 4 Allocation of garages 4.1 If KHT receives more than one applicant for a garage vacancy we will prioritise in the following order. KHT tenants Distance between garage and residence Length of time on list 5. Implementation 5.1 It is important that the Allocation Policy is open and accountable. To support this all allocations made through this Policy will be identified on the Property Pool Plus website and newsletters as direct lets. The Policy will be available on request and on our website. 5.2 All applicants given priority under this Policy will be approved by a Manager and for Bedroom Tax and Management Priority cases approval must be given by two or more managers at Head of Service level or above. 5.3 Any applicants rehoused due to the Bedroom Tax will only be offered property suitable to their current bedroom requirements. 5.4 In allocating properties KHT may use Local Lettings Plans. These will be approved by KHT Area Boards and will be used to promote sustainable tenancies within KHT neighbourhoods. 6. Equality and Diversity 6.1 The Trust believes that all customers should have the opportunity and choice of living in good quality affordable housing within strong, safe and secure communities. 6.2 We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. This means regardless of gender, religion, age, disability, ethnicity and sexual orientation that KHT s customers should have equal access to housing services. We do not tolerate any kind of discrimination. 6.3 In line with the Property Pool Plus Scheme our waiting list is open to applicants over the age of 16. If we rehouse an applicant under the age of 18, and who is therefore not legally able to sign a tenancy agreement, we will provide a licence agreement and ensure that there is a Rent Guarantor. 6.4 Any applications from KHT staff, close relatives of staff or Board members made either through this Policy or Property Pool Plus will be approved by the Chair of the KHT Board and any offers approved by a Senior Manager or Director. Page 4 of 5

5 7. Responsibility 7.1 The Director of Housing & Neighbourhoods will be responsible for the implementation of this Policy. This will include training of the appropriate employees in this policy and related policies including the Property Pool Policy Scheme Policy, the Equality and Diversity Policy and Probity and Expenses Policy 8. Consultation 8.1 This Policy was consulted on with KHT customers at a number of Focus Groups. It will be also be provided to our Area Boards as an information item. 9. Monitoring and Review 9.1 This Policy will be reviewed in accordance with KHT s policy review Schedule to ensure the policy is operating in a fair and consistent manner in accordance with the Equality and Diversity Policy and is meeting necessary targets. The Property pool plus team will record, and report all lettings under the terms of this policy. 10. Associated Documents Property Pool Plus Allocation Scheme Equality and Diversity Policy Customer Engagement & Intelligence Policy Complaints Policy Probity and Expenses Policy Data Protection Policy Page 5 of 5

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