Local Lettings Plan for Trinidad House Sheltered Housing - Appendix

AGENDA ITEM Draft 7 APPENDIX A

Local Lettings Plan for Trinidad House Sheltered Housing (Ex-tied Accommodation)

1. Background and history Trinidad House is a Council-owned Sheltered Scheme and consists of 105 properties located off Rossmore Road in Parkstone. In common with all Council-owned Sheltered Housing, the specialist retirement accommodation is for people over the age of 60 years.

There are only three sheltered flats on the Scheme, which were originally built for staff accommodation: 8a, 63 and 64 Trinidad House. These properties are no longer used for staff accommodation, as the newer Sheltered Housing Officer positions are non-resident.

These Sheltered Properties are 3-bedroom flats, and have been identified as difficult to let using standard eligibility criteria for sheltered housing, due to the lack of demand from retired larger households. This Local Lettings Plan exists to ensure these Properties are let efficiently and successful tenancies created.

2. Aims and objectives of Local lettings Plan To make better use of the Ex-Tied Properties by balancing the needs of those on the Housing Register with the need for sensitive management and sustainability of the Sheltered Housing Scheme.

3. Eligibility Applicants registered on Poole Housing Register may apply for the three bedroom Sheltered Properties, but only applicants who can demonstrate they would benefit from receiving a sheltered housing service will be eligible.

In addition the Applicant must meet the following additional Selection Criteria to be eligible:

a. Lead applicant must be over 50 years of age

b. All members of the Household must be adult (18 years and over)

c. No history of Anti Social Behaviour

d. Household needs a minimum of two bedrooms

5. Application Process When vacant, 8a, 63 and 64 Trinidad House will be advertised on Homechoice as sheltered accommodation. In order to increase access to the information provided to applicants of between 50 – 60 years, the advert will appear on the general needs list too but will be explicit about the eligibility criteria (see section 3).

27.08.09 Version 4 Draft

6. Selection Process There will be a two-stage process: 1. Housing Community Services (HCS) will shortlist from the Bids received through Homechoice excluding ineligible households 2. Representatives from HCS and the Sheltered Housing Team will consider the highest priority applicants against the Eligibility Criteria and agree the most appropriate allocation, given the needs of the community at that time.

Review This Plan will be reviewed annually from January 2011 onwards to ensure it remains relevant and effective and residents will be consulted if changes are to be made.

27.08.09 Version 4