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Access to Housing: A local perspective. John Littlemore Head of Housing & Community Services. Today’s Discussion. National context Local picture Allocation Scheme Homelessness Reduction Act. The Local Picture. New Affordable Homes. Rental Values in Maidstone. Homelessness Activity.
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Access to Housing:A local perspective John Littlemore Head of Housing & Community Services
Today’s Discussion • National context • Local picture • Allocation Scheme • Homelessness Reduction Act
Allocation Scheme • Housing Act 1996 • Part 6 – Allocation of accommodation • Part 7 – Homelessness • Localism Act 2011 – localised priorities • Over 600 lettings each year • Currently around 700 applicants on the Housing Register
Policy & Statute • Eligibility • Preference categories • Persons who are homeless • Persons owed the main housing duty (Housing Act ‘96 Part 7) • Occupying insanitary, overcrowded or unsatisfactory housing conditions • Particular need to move to a locality otherwise hardship will occur • Medical or welfare grounds
Maidstone’s Banding Scheme • Band A – Community contribution • Band B – Health assistance • Band C – Preference groups • Band D – Homelessness • Priority between applicants is by date order • MBC does not operate
Homelessness Reduction Act • Expected April 2018 • New ‘prevention’ and ‘relief’ duty • Amends not replaces existing legislation • Extends definition of threatened with homelessness from 28 to 56 days • Introduces the concept of the “Personal Housing Plan”