Cabinet 'Lettings Policy' unfair say Greens

30th January 2008

The Greens have criticised a report on the Council's lettings policy, which went before Cabinet yesterday (30th January), for not being fair or transparent.

Coun Jillian Creasy said, "The recommendations don't deal with the problems of the current policy. We agree that tenants with the greatest need and homeless applicants should be given preference. But the report does nothing to address the real needs of many people already in sub-standard housing or where their current housing situation is affecting their health and well-being. We're disappointed that the Council didn't accept the proposal we made in November to introduce a points system which would help make the fairest use of the housing stock we've got".

"In addition, the proposed system doesn't make the the process for allocating housing transparent enough. Advice centres are constantly dealing with enquiries from applicants who don't understand what criteria they have to meet to get priority. The policy needs to be written in plain English and available to the public, not just council officers. Given the pressure on resources, it is even more important to have a fair and transparent system for allocating the housing that there is".

"We call for a full review of the lettings policy to be undertaken immediately".

ENDS

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