Tenants asked to give views on housing reforms

Under social housing reforms, local authorities will be free to grant fixed terms, under Government plans to make the system fairer.

A 30-question Government survey asks residents, landlords and Rotherham Borough Council whether the minimum term should be shorter than the proposed two years.

Other questions ask what should happen at the end of a fixed term, or when a tenant dies.

“Affordable rent” tenancies will mean landlords can set charges anywhere between current social rent levels and 80 per cent of local market rents.

Councils will be able to set the rules which decide who qualifies for the housing waiting list.

Tracie Seals, the council’s interim sustainable communities manager, said: “There will be significant policy implications for the council.

“We continue to monitor the Government’s policy development and are well placed to understand the implications of the broader policy agenda, the legislative programme and effects on local priorities.

“It is not a requirement to consult with tenants and residents however we will endeavour to do so.

“The consultation questions will be posted on the Key Choices website and comments will be encouraged through RotherFed and tenant representatives.”

The questionnaire can also be found at: www.rotherham.gov.uk/forms/form/155/local_decisions_a_fairer_future_for_social_housing and the deadline for consultation is December 31.