Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director of Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services on the Local Lettings Policies CoLPAI and Isleden  House.

Following a Member’s query it the definition of overcrowding with regard to the age and gender was confirmed.

Following a Member’s question on the numbers of flats suitable for a wheelchair user it was confirmed that there were seven wheelchair accessible flats within the block and the remaining properties were convertible, if this need arose.

Following a Member’s query it was confirmed that there would be disabled parking at the properties however the onsite parking was manged by Islington.  

A Member questioned why the division of housing at all sizes of property was not fifty percent between both the City of London tenants and Islington. This reflects the landownership and financial contribution of Islington. It was added that studio properties were the biggest demand and, therefore, the allocation of one bedroom properties would assist with the demands to alleviate overcrowding.

Following a Member’s query it was explained that the lack of vacancy properties limited the possibilities for moving tenants who needed a larger property. A Member commented that there was evidently a need for further social housing in the City of London and in London more generally. The Chairman noted that the housing report in the new year would address these issues however it was clear that there would be no quick fix in this regard. A Member requested that a visual map regarding overcrowding of social housing be provided.

A Member requested that the data on the demand for social housing be considered at part of the discussions on the City of London Local Plan. It was agreed that a possible resolution regarding this matter would be discussed at the meeting later in November.

A Member commented that their experience  with the City of London Corporation had been a efficient and positive one.  

Resolved- That the draft Local Lettings Policies for the 66 homes at the CoLPAI development and the three new homes at Isleden House be approved.