Housing allocations policy equality impact assessment

Aims of the policy

The objectives of the housing allocation policy are:

• to explain how Dorset Council works with social landlords to maintain a housing register and manage housing stock to prioritise those most in need of affordable housing
• to explain how our choice based lettings scheme works so that applicants understand how to register, the assessment process and property allocation process
• to give explanations and examples of scenarios
• to provide useful information for people who need support to participate

The policy also provides clear information for housing officers carrying out their role. This ensures applicants are awarded the appropriate priority and mitigates customer requests for review.  

The policy also provides a framework to collect an accurate and relevant data set to support future housing development in our area reflecting our community housing need. 

Background to the proposal

Local authorities are required under Part 6 of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended) to have a housing allocation scheme and to ensure social housing is allocated accordingly. In accordance with the provisions in the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole (Structural Changes) Order 2018 Dorset Council requires a new Dorset Council Housing Allocation Policy 

Currently Dorset Council residents are subject to existing policies (Dorset Homechoice Common Allocations Policy and Christchurch and East Dorset Joint Housing Allocations Policy) that are not wholly aligned.  

This Dorset Council Housing Allocations Policy will apply to all Dorset Council residents.  

Intelligence and Communication 

Data, information, evidence and research used and how it has influenced the decision-making process 

• housing register – currently shared amongst all legacy authorities 
• public consultation – any individual or organisation could respond and 766 responses were received  
• stakeholders:
  • housing service
  • social landlords
  • children’s services
  • adult services
  • Executive Advisory Panel

There are approximately 6000 current applicants on the housing register. This tells us there is a high level of demand for social housing in the Dorset Council area. The number of lets made during 2019/20 was 925. This tells us that the majority of applicants eligible to register will not be allocated a home quickly. This also tells us many people are living in homes that do not currently meet their need.  

The data from the current housing registers illustrates the average waiting time for 1 bedroom homes ranges from 7 months to 15 months; 2 bedrooms from 5 to 15 months; 3 bedrooms from 9 months to 20 months; 4 bedrooms from 9 months to 20 months; (this does not illustrate all property types). The data also suggests there are regional variations in both property availability and need. 

90% of responses to the public consultation were from members of the public including those on housing registers/social housing tenants/private rented tenants/owner occupiers. This tells us our residents have views about how social housing is allocated.  

Other public consultation respondents are: 

• organisations 
• elected members 
• support workers 
• parish and town councils 
• voluntary organisations 
• social landlords 
• Community Land Trusts 
• charities 

This tells us that our residents engage with these organisations. Our relationships with these organisations are established and their work includes supporting applicants, existing tenants and developing new homes.  

The profile of residents in Dorset overall show  95.6% are white British and 4.4% black and minority ethnic group. 

From those who engaged with the consultation 89.8% described themselves as white British and 3.3% stated they were from a BME background. 

Respondents described themselves as: 

• White/British 89.8%
• Other White/British 2.5%
• Other Ethnic Group 0.5%
• White Irish 0.5%
• Other Mixed Background 0.3%
• Mixed Ethnic Background – White and Asian 0.3%
• Asian Background – Bangladeshi 0.1% 
• Asian/British - Indian 0.1%
• Black/British – African 0.1%
• Mixed Ethnic Background – White and Black African 0.1% 
• Mixed Ethnic Background – White and Black Caribbean 0.1% 
• preferred not to say 4.8%

This tells us our feedback is comparable to Dorset’s resident population. 

159 people responding to the consultation described themselves as disabled. At 25.2% the number of people in this group compared to a Department for Work and Pensions figure for Dorset of 4.6% based on those claiming disability living allowance, personal independence payments or attendance allowance, is considerably higher. This tells us that people living with some form of disability and who consider their current home unsuitable may not be claiming or entitled to financial support.  

There were 35 responses to the consultation from the Armed Forces and a separate response from the Royal British Legion commenting on the statutory guidance issued June 2020. This tells us that members, former members of the Armed Forces and their families are engaging and consider themselves as committed members of the community. It also tells us that central government considers this group of special interest. Dorset Council has a commitment to this community which is reflected in the Armed Forces Covenant.  

The consultation responses reflected a wide range of personal situations including people living at home with a parent; people who are homeless; landlords; people wanting to join the register and those living in conditions they found unsatisfactory or unsanitary. This tells us that a good cross-section of people and circumstances are represented in the response. Responses reflect personal opinions about suitable homes, homes of decent standard; affordability and choice about where you live.  

70.2% of consultation respondents described their gender as female; 26.4% described their gender as male; 0% described themselves using another term and 3.3% preferred not to say. This tells us the response is typical of other council consultation responses.   

There was a wide range of ages of respondents and a good geographical spread. This tells us there was good representation from our community  

There was good overall support for proposals. This tells us the proposal has described the challenge of managing the allocation of social housing and describes a process that is fair.  

Housing service information received focussed on the technical application of the policy as perceived by officers on both their behalf and customers. This told us that improvements to software are required to enable better self-service options. A procurement process is expected to be completed 2020/21 and includes accessibility for all processes.  

The Housing service feedback also provided challenge regarding how processes will be supported. This told us that offering support for people accessing the service is accurate and is expected to improve successful allocations. A commitment to deliver enhanced training to staff was agreed.  

Reponses from engagement with social landlords were positive regarding the proposals. Feedback told us managing current housing stock is challenging depending on location and property type. Maintaining stock and keeping all types of social housing fully occupied is not always possible because of restrictions such as specified age requirements and financial pressures. This tells us people use the opportunity to make choices about where they live; property may be considered unsuitable because of location or type; personal circumstances such as access to services, environment and support affect whether a tenancy would be successful. It also tells us we can support social landlords to maximise their housing stock by including options to offer direct lets to people that would otherwise be precluded and result in unoccupied properties.   

Internal services such as Adult Services and Children’s Services work with people with specific needs including young people leaving care; people ready to move on; those in need of supported care; for whom we have a corporate duty or parenting responsibility; foster carers or adopters. Advice received and researched confirms the role of housing services is to offer appropriate and suitable support and access to suitable affordable housing. This tells us including specific categories for each of these groups offers an appropriate level of prioritisation.  

A member Executive Advisory Panel supported and advised the housing service to design the proposed policy. The group represented all Dorset Council areas and parties. The engagement illustrated how communities engage with their elected members and what experiences they had. The process reviewed current policies and considered the proposed omissions and new inclusions. This told us whether the proposals addressed the needs of the community and the Council.  

Engagement or consultation that has taken place as part of this EqIA

Housing Register – currently shared amongst all legacy authorities.

Public Consultation – any individual or organisation could respond and 766 responses were received. The consultation period is usually 12 weeks. This consultation ran for 20 weeks from 2 March 2020 to 20 July 2020 to mitigate any potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The consultation was available on line and as a hard copy. The consultation was promoted using council social media, community radio and local press. Formats included audio and video clips. 

Stakeholders – housing service; social landlords; children’s services; adult services 

Feedback

Will be published when available. 

Assessment

Impacts of the strategy 

Key to impacts 

Action plan

Who agreed this EqIA