Proposed Affordable Housing LCO

Consultation Response: Denbighshire County Council

General Principles of LCO

Denbighshire County Council  wishes to support the LCO in principle. We would wish to see the broadest possible interpretation so that the Assembly can introduce measures in support of Affordable Housing provision. It is accepted that the suspension of the Right to Buy could make some contribution to the need for Affordable Housing but given the current numbers of applications it will be limited and other measures will be needed as well.

Power to Suspend RTB

The powers should allow Social Landlords to apply to suspend the Right to Buy in geographical areas where high demand can be demonstrated but allow for applications for specific electoral wards, and for particular types of dwellings such as adapted family houses. It should even recognise the need to apply on an individual house basis in exceptional circumstances. It should apply to all tenancies including existing ones rather than just new tenants or those established since a particular date.

Alternative low cost home ownership options for those whose properties are excluded from the RTB should be introduced. These should include being given priority access to any revised Homebuy and/or alternative LCHO schemes being considered by the Assembly, to meet its affordable housing aims and objectives as part of the 'One Wales' agenda

Suspension of the RTB: Implications for Housing Stock Business Plans

Any further restriction of sales of Local Authority housing could have a detrimental finacial effect on the Housing Stock Business Plans of authorities or on Housing Options Business Plans for those considering Stock Transfer. The Welsh Assembly Government should therefore assess this impact and consider whether any adjustment can be made to the Housing Revenue Account Subsidy system to compensate for it and allow Councils a free choice in principle on whether to implement any right to request suspension if the Order is introduced.

Definition of Social Landlord

The definition of Social Landlord should be framed to include Local Authorities, Registered Social Landlords but also other bodies such as Community Land Trusts who receive public subsidy towards housing provision.

Simon Kaye

Rheolwr Strategaeth Tai / Housing Strategy Manager Gwasanaethau Tai / Housing Services Ffôn / Tel: 01824 712931

E-bost: simon.kaye@sirddinbych.gov.uk
E-mail: simon.kaye@denbighshire.gov.uk

Ffacs / Fax : 01824 708453

Gwefan:  http://www.sirddinbych.gov.uk
Website: http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk