Barnet Council want to end lifetime tenancies and replace them with the introduction of a new draft tenancy strategy throughout the borough. The strategy has already been approved and will go to consultation next month.
The strategy would see the council bring in short-term tenancies for all of their properties which are protected by property insurance. The new tenancies will start from April next year and a review of the tenant’s housing needs and earnings will be done every five years to see if they are still eligible for the council’s subsidised accommodation. Anyone who has an existing tenancy will still retain their lifetime leases, but all new tenants from April will be given the much shorter lease. The new strategy will ensure that Barnet’s limited housing stock is given to those who need it most and also address the issue of under occupancy.
Councillor Tom Davey said: “We are looking at how we can use the new tenancy scheme to support people in housing need in Barnet given our limited housing stock. I think supporting young people to become independent by offering them a short term tenancy in return for them studying or training is really positive. Our overarching aim is to make sure that the council’s housing stock is used as effectively as possible to provide homes for Barnet residents who are unable to find a home in the private sector. This can be done by helping people move on from council housing once they are earning enough to be able to rent or buy a home of their own.”
The council believe that social housing should be part of somebody’s housing journey in the way that the first home bought will not necessarily be the home for life for private buyers. Lifetime tenancies will still to be given to ex-army personnel who have seen active service, existing tenants and households where someone is disabled or terminally ill.