URL: https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2182

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Development Management and Housing

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To make three minor amendments to the Councils allocation policy to ensure compliance with the latest legislation on the Allocation of Housing (Qualification Criteria for Victims of Domestic Abuse and Care Leavers) Regulations 2025, as well as extending the Corporate Duty in Band 1 to enable children to come out of care through the ‘placement of children with parents’ scheme and expanding the Auto Bid criteria for those who have been recognised as ready to move on.

Content: To make three minor amendments to the Councils allocation policy to ensure compliance with the latest legislation on the Allocation of Housing (Qualification Criteria for Victims of Domestic Abuse and Care Leavers) Regulations 2025, as well as extending the Corporate Duty in Band 1 to enable children to come out of care through the ‘placement of children with parents’ scheme and expanding the Auto Bid criteria for those who have been recognised as ready to move on. Following consultation with officers I give notice that I intend to make the decision set out in the attached report. If you would like to make any representations to me on this issue please do so by 4 August 2025. To ensure our adopted Allocations Policy remains legally compliant with the latest changes in legislation, as well as strengthening our support for our ‘Placement for Parents’ programme enabling a child in care to be reunited with its parents and also to facilitate planned move ons from supported housing to ensure we make best use of all opportunities to enable a quick and swift move on for clients who no longer require support. No alternative options were considered. No formal consultation was required in recommending these minor amendments as the main one is a legislative change that we are not able to consult, and the other two minor amendments were discussed with the Director of Children Services and Corporate Director of Care and Wellbeing.  We are planning a full review of the allocation policy later this year which will involve a full 3 month consultation.

Date of Decision: July 28, 2025