URL: https://scambs.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=12857

Decision Maker: Lead Cabinet member for Housing

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: New Allocations guidance came into effect from 10th July 2025. The Guidance was issued by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.  Local housing authorities are required to have regard to this guidance when exercising their allocation functions under Part 6 of the 1996 Act. The guidance removes the Local Connection stipulation for Care Leavers under 25 and victims of domestic abuse in relation to the Allocation of social housing.  This means these groups of people can seek housing support from any council, regardless of where they’ve lived before. The change ensures fairer access to housing for vulnerable people who often need to move for safety or support. To comply with this change, the wording in Section 3.4 of the Lettings Policy must be amended to make it clear that certain groups of people are excluded from the Local Connection test.  The new wording is attached as Appendix One. In addition, a further amendment to Section 4.6 of the Policy is required to clarify that Care Leavers funded by Cambridgeshire County Council will qualify for a Band A status when certain other conditions are met. This wording is also contained in Appendix One. The Band A status awarded to Cambridgeshire Care Leavers is not a new aspect of the policy.  However, the removal of the Local Connection test means that Care Leavers funded by any local authority area in England are now eligible to join the register.  This broader eligibility necessitates additional clarification of the circumstances under which Cambridgeshire-funded Care Leavers retain a Band A status, and how applications from Care Leavers funded by other local authorities will be assessed. The Lettings Policy is already compliant with the remainder of the Allocations guidance. Minor amendments to the Policy were previously made in January 2025 in relation to Local Connection changes for Armed Service Personnel. A full review of the policy is planned for 2026.  However, the Local Connection amendments are required immediately to ensure the Policy remains compliant with statutory guidance.

Content: New Allocations guidance came into effect from 10th July 2025. The Guidance was issued by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.  Local housing authorities are required to have regard to this guidance when exercising their allocation functions under Part 6 of the 1996 Act. The guidance removes the Local Connection stipulation for Care Leavers under 25 and victims of domestic abuse in relation to the Allocation of social housing.  This means these groups of people can seek housing support from any council, regardless of where they’ve lived before. The change ensures fairer access to housing for vulnerable people who often need to move for safety or support. To comply with this change, the wording in Section 3.4 of the Lettings Policy must be amended to make it clear that certain groups of people are excluded from the Local Connection test.  The new wording is attached as Appendix One. In addition, a further amendment to Section 4.6 of the Policy is required to clarify that Care Leavers funded by Cambridgeshire County Council will qualify for a Band A status when certain other conditions are met. This wording is also contained in Appendix One. The Band A status awarded to Cambridgeshire Care Leavers is not a new aspect of the policy.  However, the removal of the Local Connection test means that Care Leavers funded by any local authority area in England are now eligible to join the register.  This broader eligibility necessitates additional clarification of the circumstances under which Cambridgeshire-funded Care Leavers retain a Band A status, and how applications from Care Leavers funded by other local authorities will be assessed. The Lettings Policy is already compliant with the remainder of the Allocations guidance. Minor amendments to the Policy were previously made in January 2025 in relation to Local Connection changes for Armed Service Personnel. A full review of the policy is planned for 2026.  However, the Local Connection amendments are required immediately to ensure the Policy remains compliant with statutory guidance. To approve the new wording on local connection criteria as set out in Sections 3,4 and 5 above. To comply with updated guidance issued by the Secretary of State, with effect from 10th July 2025. Option: To not approve the new wording.   Rejected as the wording is appropriate and meets the new guidance.

Date of Decision: October 14, 2025