CASP's response to Camden's Formal Consultation on Housing Allocations (Monday July 2nd 2007)

The following document was submitted by the CASP Committee to Camden's Housing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee in response to Camden's proposed changes to its allocation's policy.

Camden Association of Street Properties

camdenstreetproperties@yahoo.co.uk


Cllr Chris Philps
Chair, Housing & Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee

Monday July 2nd 2007


Dear Cllr Philp / HASC Scrutiny Committee

Re: Allocations Scheme – 3/7/2007

The CASP Committee met on Monday 25th June 2007 where the contents of the above report was discussed.

A number of CASP Committee members also attended the consultation event on June 21st organized by Camden Council. It was reported by some members after the event that they found the event informative.

The CASP Committee formally asks that the following points be considered during the relevant discussion:

1)    Concerns were expressed about the effectiveness of the current allocations system in place, as some members felt that customer services had deteriorated since a call centre had been introduced in 2002 to deal with individual housing enquiries. Members highlighted that the service had become more ‘impersonal’ and less customer focused, which meant that not all tenants and residents felt comfortable about discussing their cases.

2)    Concerns were expressed about the introduction and effectiveness of the new on-line housing application system, which is due to be introduced shortly, especially with regards to vulnerable people and issues around accessibility.

3)    Members also expressed concerns about too much staff time being spent on dealing with on-line applications, which would only contribute further to creating a less customer focused service.

4)    Concerns were also expressed regarding the failure of the current system to respond effectively to those tenants who wish to ‘downsize’ their properties (i.e., make available extra space which would help address Camden’s problem of overcrowding) as tenants have reported in such instances not being awarded enough points to realistically bid for a property of their size and choice.

5)    Members also highlighted that with regards to the Allocations Scheme, as well as taking account of what difficulties and improvements, if any, an electronically based application system will afford, it needed to also be examined in the light of Camden’s impending sell-off of its housing stock.

6)    Members were also acutely aware of the existence of a ‘1 in 10’ sell-off policy of bedsits and one and two bedroom properties, which undoubtedly places pressure on any allocations scheme, especially in view of the challenge already faced by Camden in trying to address issues around allocations and overcrowding.

7)    Members also felt that it was crucial for Camden to retain a sufficient number of properties so that they can be adapted for disabled use.

8)    Members also felt that following the introduction of the new system, it was crucial to have in place a concrete plan whereby a further consultation be carried out to assess the effectiveness of the new system.

We look forward to receiving the outcome of the relevant debate.


Yours Sincerely,


The Camden Association of Street Properties