REDDITCH residents are invited to have their say on policy changes surrounding how the borough council allocates its housing.
A review of Redditch Borough Council’s existing Housing Allocations Policy is taking place to include new legislation and regulations as well as improvements on how officers work with people in housing need.
Before the draft policy is put before borough councillors for approval next month, residents can comment on the proposals, which include:
· The current ‘Priority’ and ‘Gold’ bands to be amalgamated into a single ‘Gold’ band
· All applicants to have an interview with a Housing Options Officer to discuss their housing needs and the available housing options, to come to a housing decision together
· All applicants in the ‘Gold’ priority band to be directly matched to a suitable offer of accommodation following that interview process, rather than going on to bid on properties
· Applicants for whom the council has accepted a duty under homelessness legislation to be offered a single offer of suitable accommodation.
Coun Mark Shurmer, whose portfolio covers housing, said: “This council is continually looking on how its services can be improved for customers and I know Housing is no exception.
“This is the perfect time to include this new way of working, as well as updated legislation, and who better to comment on this draft policy than the people who it affects most.”
You can read the draft Housing Allocations Policy 2017 at www.redditchbc.gov.uk/consultations and email comments to [email protected]
The closing date for comments will be 5pm on July 20.
