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Contents

1. Introduction
2. Rent History
3. Property Types/Areas of Choice
4. Supporting Information
5. Legal/Statutory Obligations
6. Assessment of Cases with Highest Points
7. Timescale for Re-Housing
8. Recommendation
   
   Appendix One: Housing and Special Cases Template

1. Introduction

Instead of having Housing Delegation meetings to deal with Special Cases, the process has been changed so that cases can be dealt with at the weekly meeting between the Director and Cabinet Member, who have delegated authority to award additional priority in "exceptional" circumstances.

Authorisation remains via the decision sheet so all cases will still have the seven working days notification period prior to the meeting to comply with the council's decision making process. Following publication of the decision, this will be subject to scrutiny and cannot be implemented until five working days have elapsed.

It is not intended that officers will attend the meeting to present their reports unless it is a complex case. What will be required is a comprehensive report which will include a recommendation. The revised pro forma is more detailed and special consideration needs to be given to the following areas:

2. Rent History

This should include both current and former debts. You will need to set out the agreement made with the applicant and a breakdown of the payment pattern over the previous six months. This may require an appendix to the report.

If the debt relates to a former tenancy you would need to mention the reason for the debt and the same information concerning a repayment pattern.

3. Property Types/Areas of Choice

You will need to comment on the appropriateness of the applicant's choice.

4. Supporting Information

Copies of all supporting information must be attached and identified within the report.

5. Legal/Statutory Obligations

If there are none this must be stated in the report.

6. Assessment of Cases with Highest Points

As at present,detailed information must be provided on the top six cases of which no more than two should be homeless applicants'. It will be necessary to produce as an appendix to the report.

7. Timescale for Re-Housing

As there is an assumption that rehousing is considered urgent then the information should be based on the likely period before an offer can be made. The void rate for the property type in the areas of choice over the last year would be a good indicator.

8. Recommendation

It will no longer be necessary to include options but solely a recommendation by the author. This must be closely argued and to some extent summarise the case.

Appendix One: Housing and Special Cases Template

Click here to view Housing and Special Cases Template

End