The Property Pool Plus Manager introduced a report that sought approval for Wirral’s continued participation in a Liverpool City Region sub regional social housing allocations scheme, a final revised Allocations Policy and support for the introduction of a new IT system.

The report noted that under case law and good practice, it was necessary to periodically update and review the current iterations of the Council’s Allocations Policy and Scheme.

Members thanked officers for the report and in particular noted how useful the summary of current policy position alongside the proposed changes were.

Members asked questions on the rational for changes to the policy on arrears, a national consultation on domestic abuse victims being able to move to an area they have no connection to, how a person might be considered to be a “person lacking mental capacity”, and temporary and supported accommodation.

At this point the Chair, Councillor J McManus left the chamber. Vice Chair, Councillor A Brame took over for the duration of the meeting.

Resolved – That:

1.   The proposed Allocations policy and scheme as set out in Appendix A of the report be approved;

2.  Support be given for the implementation of the new scheme to coincide with the procurement of a suitable IT system, which would be needed to support the operation of the new policy and scheme;

3.  The commencement of the tender process for the procurement of the provision of the IT software system be approved.

4.   The Head of Housing be authorised to award the contract within approved budget and to the highest scoring tender within approved budget and in accordance with the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) criteria.

5.  The Head of Housing be authorised to enter into arrangements with the other participating local authorities (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool and Sefton), to govern the implementation and future operation of the allocations scheme, including the appointment of a Property Pool Plus Co-ordinator to work across all local authority areas.