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

Reason For Homelessness

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”