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0034 2025/26
28/08/2025
Stronger Communities
Parr
Local Lettings Policy - new homes at Somerset Street
To approve a Local Lettings Policy for new homes for affordable rent at Somerset Street, in the ward of Parr.
To seek approval for a Local Lettings Policy (LLP) which will support the creation of a sustainable community and give priority to existing local residents for first lettings of 40 new homes at a site on Somerset Street.
A new development of 40 homes on Somerset Street will shortly be completed. Torus are the social landlord. It will provide 18 two bedroom houses, 10 three bedroom houses and 2 two bedroom bungalows all for affordable rent and a further 10 homes for Rent to Buy that will be let outside of the social lettings policy. The homes will be occupied by families. First lettings are expected to be made late autumn 2025. Homes will be let using the Under One Roof choice based lettings system as usual other than that the terms of the LLP will apply to the lettings alongside the council's allocation policy. A LLP will support Torus in its intention to achieve a sustainable community with residents who have a mix of employment status and circumstances, typical of more longstanding neighbourhoods. The aim is to identify tenants who will settle and contribute to the local community both socially and economically which is harder to achieve if very high percentages of residents are not economically active. The statutory basis which allows an LLP is Section 166A(6)(B) of the Housing Act 1996. This enables housing authorities to allocate particular accommodation to people of a particular description, whether or not they fall within reasonable preference categories, provided that overall the authority is able to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of section 166A(3). This allows local lettings policies to be used to achieve a wide variety of housing management and policy objectives. The LLP for the new homes on Somerset Street uses two lettings criteria which seek to 1) reflect the mix of economic activity found in most established neighbourhoods. 2) bring continuity by allowing families with existing links to the locality to access suitable housing in their community. The details of the criteria are as follows: Letting criteria 1) - 40% (11) of the properties will be allocated to applicants who are in employment for 16 hours or more each week or full-time education/training and can evidence affordability in line with the council’s allocation policy Letting criteria 2) - Preference will be given to applicants with a local connection to the wards of Parr and Peasley Cross and Fingerpost for 30% (9) of all lettings. Letting criteria 3) - For the allocation of the two bungalows, preference will be given to applicants who have an assessed need for ground floor accommodation and who will make best use of the facilities, including the use of both bedrooms. In the event that either there are - insufficient bids from applicants with a local connection who meet the minimum quota for applicants in employment, education or training or - insufficient bids from applicants who meet the stated local connection criteria or - insufficient bids from applicants who have a need for ground floor accommodation applicants from the wider borough of St Helens will be considered. The policy will be in operation for 12 months from the commencement of the first tenancy at the development and then subject to review, amendment, or withdrawal. Consultation has taken place with the Ward Councillors in the wards listed above.
The inclusion of a local letting criteria which prioritises people needing affordable rented housing in the two wards of Parr and Peasley Cross and Fingerpost will benefit local residents of this area in achieving high quality, affordable homes. A LLP will contribute to local community cohesion and the goal of sustainable neighbourhoods.
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Please contact Lee Norman on 01744 676230
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