Haringey Council's Cabinet has approved a new Under-Occupation Policy, titled Moving to a Smaller Home, aimed at encouraging residents to move to smaller properties and thereby increasing the supply of family-sized homes. The policy was approved alongside amendments to the Tenancy Strategy during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

A colorful, stylized illustration depicting various scenes of community life, including a market stall, construction work, a cafe, a person listening to music, and a cyclist, with
Community scenes

The policy aims to strengthen the council's offer to residents wishing to downsize. While the original proposal indicated financial incentives would be offered, stating the council would encourage (and require where permissible and appropriate) the successor to move to smaller accommodation through our downsizing scheme which includes financial incentives, a later amendment noted that all incentives will now be reviewed annually. Delegated authority has been granted to the Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, to update the payment structure and offers to residents within existing budgets. Minor changes and updates to the policy wording, including those required by legislative changes or updates to Standards set by the Regulator of Social Housing, are also within this delegated authority.

The council stated that the commitments outlined in the policy will be met within existing budgets. The decision was made to clearly set out the Council's commitments and strengthen its offer to residents, helping to increase the supply of family-sized homes. The alternative of not approving the policy was dismissed as it was deemed important to clearly articulate the council's offer for residents wishing to downsize and to keep that offer current. The expected increase in larger family homes resulting from the policy's implementation is considered essential to support the council in housing larger families.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to manage housing stock effectively and meet the diverse needs of Haringey's residents. The full details of the policy and its amendments can be found in the Under-Occupation Policy report and Appendix A Under-Occupation Policy, which were presented to the Cabinet. Further information on changes to the Tenancy Management Policy is available in Appendix B - Changes to the Tenancy Management Policy and NEW AMENDED Appendix B - Changes to the Tenancy Management Policy.