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0087 2025/26
23/03/2026
Stronger Communities
Rainford
Local Lettings Policy - new homes at Higher Lane, Rainford
To approve a Local Lettings Policy for new homes for affordable rent at Higher Lane, in the ward of Rainford
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 66 new homes at a site on Higher Lane, Rainford.
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 66 new homes at a site on Higher Lane, Rainford. A new development of 66 homes at Higher Lane will shortly be completed. Cobalt are the social landlord. It will provide 18 one bedroom apartments, 20 two bedroom apartments, 23 two bedroom houses and 5 three bedroom houses all for affordable rent. The homes will be occupied by single persons, couples and families. First lettings are expected to be made in Spring 2026. 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 Cobalt 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 Higher Lane uses three 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) - 50% (33) of the homes will be allocated to applicants who are in settled/permanent (12 months+ contract) employment for 16 hours or more each week or full-time education/training or who have a local connection to the ward of Rainford and can evidence affordability in line with the council’s allocation policy. Letting criteria 2) - For the allocation of the 10 one bedroom apartments which are M4(2) adaptable/accessible, preference will be given to applicants who have an assessed need for ground floor accommodation and who will make best use of the facilities. Letting criteria 3) - Cobalt agrees to accept a nomination for a care leaver prioritised by the Children We Look After / Futures (Leaving Care) team at St Helens Borough Council , for one of the 1 bed units, providing they have the expected levels of support from the local authority, such as appropriate wrap around support until the age of 21 years in place, a trustee until the age of 18 years, and with support, if requested, up to the age of 25. This does not exclude other care leavers who may bid successfully for a unit under the wider criteria of this LLP. 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 the stated local connection criteria or - insufficient bids from applicants who have a need for ground floor accommodation or - no care leaver(s) nominated by the Children We Look After / Futures (Leaving Care) team 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 ward listed above.
The inclusion of a local letting criteria which prioritises people needing affordable rented housing in the ward of Rainford 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
