This report lays out the intention to review Reading Borough Council’s Allocation Scheme, the proposed changes, requests authorisation to consult on the proposals and details the timetable for delivery.

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report which set out the intention to review Reading Borough Council’s Allocation Scheme, the proposed changes and the timetable for delivery and requested authorisation to consult on the proposals and details.  The consultation summary and questions were attached to the report at Appendix 1.

The report explained that it was proposed that a public consultation be carried out on key policy decisions that supported the delivery of the themes of the Housing Strategy, within the following areas:

·      Sustainable Communities:  There were several mechanisms that were proposed to support this including improved tenant mobility, an improved offer for Key Workers and tenant behaviour sanctions;

·      Clear and Fair Allocations Scheme: The proposals included a reduction in the number of bands for simplicity and a separate register for adapted homes.

The report also set out the proposed timetable for the consultation which would run from 15 March 2021 to 10 May 2021.  It was proposed that a report on the consultation results and draft Allocations Scheme would then be submitted for approval during July or August 2021.

Resolved –

That a public consultation, which took views of residents, customers and partners, to inform a review of the Reading Borough Council’s Housing Allocations Scheme be approved.