Decision

The Cabinet Member - Housing and Highways has decided to approve the extension of Local Lettings Plans by One Vision Housing at high-rise estates in Bootle, Formby, and Southport.

Analysis

outcome: The decision was to approve the continued use of Local Lettings Plans by One Vision Housing at the specified estates.

summary: The decision at stake is whether to approve the extension of Local Lettings Plans by One Vision Housing at various high-rise estates in Bootle, Formby, and Southport.

topline: The Cabinet Member - Housing and Highways has decided to approve the extension of Local Lettings Plans by One Vision Housing at high-rise estates in Bootle, Formby, and Southport.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves age restrictions for letting properties, which could potentially impact the diversity of residents in these communities.

affected_stakeholders: ["One Vision Housing", "Residents of Oxford House, Strand House, Smithy Green/Close, and Hamlet Close"]

contentiousness_score: 5

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://modgov.sefton.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=11742

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member - Housing and Highways

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To seek approval to agree to One Vision Housing (OVH) extending their established Local Lettings schemes at Oxford House and Strand House high-rise estates, Bootle; Smithy Green/Close, Formby and Hamlet Close in Southport.

Content: To seek approval to agree to One Vision Housing (OVH) extending their established Local Lettings schemes at Oxford House and Strand House high-rise estates, Bootle; Smithy Green/Close, Formby and Hamlet Close in Southport. Decision(s):   (1)  the continued use of Local Lettings Plans by OVH at Oxford House and Strand House estates, Bootle and Smithy Green & Smithy Close, Formby and Hamlet Close in Southport be approved.   Reason(s) for the Decision(s):   Attached at Appendix 1 is their review of the effectiveness of current Local Lettings Policies from OVH. OVH conclude that they would like to continue to extend their existing Local Lettings Plans (LLPs).   OVH decided they wished to introduce Local Lettings Plans (LLPs) in Strand House and Oxford House because they had seen a significant reduction in the numbers of applicants bidding for properties through Choice Based Lettings, which they wanted to address. Both these LLPs restrict letting of properties in Oxford and Strand Houses to those applicants over 55 years of age. This LLP also restricts letting of properties to those applicants over 55 years of age. OVH also wish to extend the LLP for future lettings of Hamlet Close in Southport to over 55 years of age, of which the initial lettings were carried out in 2019/20.   Following consultation with the Council the existing LLPs were approved for introduction in March 2013 for Strand House and Oxford House, and similarly at Smithy Green/Close in July 2014.   Alternative Options Considered and Rejected   The Council could withhold approval from OVH to operate a Local Lettings scheme and let them through Property Pool Plus to all ages, but this would risk destabilising the communities established within these schemes.  

Date of Decision: December 9, 2024