Have your say on the West Northamptonshire Draft Tenancy Strategy

Feedback updated 18 Nov 2024

We asked

From 8 July to 18 August 2024 we carried out a consultation on a new Tenancy Strategy.

The strategy provides the approach that all registered providers of social housing, also known as housing associations, need to follow for their own tenancy policies.

The aim of this activity was to give everyone a chance to provide their views on the objectives of the Tenancy Strategy and preference for tenure types, for example introductory tenancies and secure tenancies.

You said

In total 90 responses were received.

Overall the majority of respondents agreed with the new Tenancy Strategy particularly with the 2 key questions in the survey:

92% of respondents agreed with the key objectives of the Tenancy Strategy. 2% neither agreed or disagreed. Of those that disagreed (6%), comments concerned matters not related to tenure.
67% of respondents agreed with the Council’s preference for the Council and Registered Providers to offer new social housing tenants a 12 month introductory or starter tenancy that converts to a lifetime tenancy once the introductory period is over and that Fixed term tenancies should only be used in exceptional circumstances (14% neither agreed or disagreed). Of those that disagreed, comments included suggestions on shorter term tenancies (6), tenancy management tools (2), further clarity for new and existing tenants. Others (3) did not answer the question or could not be considered as did not refer to this consultation.

We did

The findings from the consultation show a strong support for the proposed new Tenancy Strategy. We considered all the responses to identify what changes were needed and amended the strategy accordingly.

The Tenancy Strategy was amended to provide further clarity in relation to the introductory period for new tenants and existing tenants who already hold a secure or assured tenancy.

The final strategy was adopted by Cabinet Tuesday 8th October 2024, see Agenda item 6 Tenancy Strategy, Cabinet decision.

Overview

We are consulting on the West Northamptonshire draft Tenancy Strategy.

Background

Every UK local authority is required by law to have a tenancy strategy which sets out the approach that Councils and Registered Providers of Social Housing need to consider when developing their own tenancy policies.

This includes:

The types of tenancies,
The circumstances that different types of tenancies will be granted,
The length of fixed-term tenancies,
The circumstances where a further tenancy can be granted following a fixed-term.

As well as aligning its objectives to support the Council’s Corporate plan and key housing-related strategies, the draft West Northamptonshire Tenancy Strategy seeks to:

Set clear expectations of all social registered providers operating across West Northamptonshire in tenancy related matters,
Highlight the Council’s preferred approach to tenancy types offered,
Encourage social housing providers to offer greater tenancy support and tenancy sustainment,
Encourage social rent levels in new build homes.

Once adopted, the Tenancy Strategy will replace the existing tenancy strategies currently in place in West Northamptonshire.

Why your views matter

This draft Tenancy Strategy consultation will provide all interested parties with an opportunity to comment on the draft strategy.

Feedback is sought from those that hold a tenancy with a registered provider (otherwise known as a housing association) within West Northamptonshire, local tenant and resident groups, registered providers, and other interested parties and stakeholders.

You can have your say by:

Completing this Online survey using the link below

If you have any questions about the consultation, need assistance to complete the online questionnaire or would like a copy of it in another format you can contact us by email at: housingstrategy@westnorthants.gov.uk

This consultation closes midnight Sunday 18 August 2024.

For information about how responses are managed, please see the housing options and homelessness privacy notice and the consultation and engagement privacy notice.

What happens next?

All feedback will be considered before a final Tenancy Strategy produced. The final Tenancy Strategy will go to Cabinet and Council for approval on 8 October 2024.

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