Lewisham Council is set to review its Housing Allocation Policy, with proposed minor amendments scheduled for discussion at the Housing Select Committee meeting on Wednesday, 18 June 2025. The review aims to ensure the policy remains current, effective, and responsive to emerging needs, reflecting learning from recent case reviews and feedback from service users.
Key changes under consideration include the introduction of auto-bidding, a system where the Locata software automatically places bids on suitable properties for eligible applicants. This is designed to support vulnerable and digitally excluded individuals. Other amendments involve clarifying the role of the Emergency Housing Panel and updating terminology to align with current practices.
The Housing Select Committee, including Councillor Stephen Penfold (Chair) and Councillor Dawn Atkinson (Vice-Chair), will also discuss priorities for the 2025-26 municipal year and agree on a work programme. Potential topics include evictions, anti-social behaviour, renters' rights, and regulatory changes such as the implementation of Awaab's Law.
The meeting will also address budget savings proposals for 2025/26 and 2026/27, aiming to tackle a £30 million budget shortfall. Draft proposals include reductions in temporary accommodation costs and realignment of repairs services. The Housing Select Committee will review the draft report and appendices and consider whether they wish to provide comments to the Public Accounts Select Committee on 25 June 2025.
Additionally, the committee will receive a report providing an overview of the council's performance as a social housing landlord for the 2024/25 financial year, including Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) and compliance with Consumer Standards for Social Housing.