Download - WhatDoTheyKnow

By email only
15 May 2014
Our ref: IR63332
Thank you for your request for information received on 6 May 2014.
This request is being handled under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Our response is as follows:1. Can you explain how many in each band have withdrawn from bids when short listed for a
property, for instance if individuals find they have been short-listed as 3rd to 5th person for
allocation.
From 11 November 2013, when the new Housing Allocation Scheme was launched, to 9 May 2014,
a total of 162 shortlisted bidders did not attend the viewing of a property the property they bid for:
BAND
BAND-A1
BAND-A2
BAND-B
BAND-C1
BAND-C2
BAND –D
Grand Total
Number
0
54
86
4
18
0
162
Of these 162, the reasons recorded for non-attendance are as follows:
Reason
Unable to attend viewing
Declined to view property
Did not attend viewing
Unable to contact
Grand Total
Number
10
118
32
2
162
We are unable to determine from our data the position they were in the shortlist at the time they
withdrew their bid, so we are not able to provide the requested information specifically for those in
3rd to 5th position, and have therefore provided this information for all shortlisted bidders.
2. How is the withdrawal of bids short listed but NOT offered housing recorded on choice base
lettings?
If a short-listed bidder does not attend the viewing
n
bd
co d d
“b d d cl n d” u ng
on of
follo ng
on : “Un bl o
nd v
ng”, “ cl n d o v
p op y”, “ d no
nd
v
ng”, “Un bl o con c ”. If they attend the viewing but then decide they do not want the
proper y
n
ou com
co d d
“ fu d p op y f v
ng”. These outcomes are
d pl y d n om on ’ b d
o y on
Hom Conn c on
b
.
3. What is the main reason why those on 3rd or 5th place decide to withdraw from the short list?
E.g. does an individual decide being 3 to 5 of the list blocks them from bidding for other properties
when waiting to be selected? The length of time to be selected is too long, and they are less likely
to be selected, and while waiting they will not be selected for properties they bid for.
W do no co d
this information.
on fo
om on ’ d c on no o
nd
v
ng, o
do no
old
4. How many who have been selected are aware they won't be selected for properties bid for while
they been selected?
The policy is set out in the Housing Allocation Scheme 2013: “Appl c n c n only b
o l
d fo
one property at a time, so if an applicant is already shortlisted for another property they are not
available to be shortlisted for fur
p op
.” (p.22). A copy of the Housing Allocation Scheme is
here: http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/sites/default/files/ho-housing-allocations-policy_0.pdf
This information is publically available, but we do not know how many people are specifically aware
of this information.
5. Are time put for viewing 80% correct. e.g. they state viewing within a week however it within 4
weeks.
Viewings are arranged by the housing provider who manage the property, not the Council, and we
therefore cannot guarantee that viewings will be carried out within a particular timescale as this
depends on the housing provider. If we are aware that there may be specific reasons for a delay
before the viewing, for instance if the property has not been built yet, then we include this in the
advertisement.
6. What is the average short listed waiting time for Lambeth and Housing association properties?.
From our data we are not able to determine the length of time between someone being shortlisted
and the outcome of this shortlist, and therefore we do not hold this information.
7. How many times the CAT allocation process has been used in all bands sections properties win
for the year 2014?
CAT refers to mobility assessments and is explained on page 26 of the Housing Allocation Scheme
2013, a copy of which is here: http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/sites/default/files/ho-housing-allocationspolicy_0.pdf
CAT-1 refers to people who need wheelchair accessible properties, CAT-2 refers to people who
need disability adapted properties, and CAT-3 refers to people who need level access ground floor
accommodation. CAT
u
d d by
Counc l’
dc lA
m n Off c . T pu po
of this is to ensure that people with disabilities are allocated housing that meets their needs. For
instance, ground floor flats with level access will be offered to those in CAT-3 ahead of those
without a medically assessed need. When this applies the property advertisement will state that
priority will be given to those with a medical need. Those with a CAT assessment can also bid for
other housing, but get no additional priority bidding for homes that do not meet their mobility needs.
In the period 11 November 2013 to 9 May 2014, a total of 878 properties were allocated through
Choice Based Lettings, of whom 144 (16%) had a CAT medical assessment.
CAT code
CAT1
CAT2
CAT3
None
Grand Total
Number
7
19
118
734
878
Why is the Lambeth still using the CAT system the banding system should only be used.
The CAT system is used in the new banding scheme. The CAT system is part of our Housing
Allocation Scheme 2013 (see page 26 of the scheme), and the purpose is to ensure that people with
disabilities are allocated housing that meets their needs.
If you are dissatisfied with the way in which your Freedom of Information request has been dealt
with you can request an internal review. Tell us why you are unhappy with our response within 40
working days, and it will be looked at afresh. We will aim to provide you with our review response
within 20 working days.
By email: [email protected] (Please quote the reference number above) or by writing to:
Freedom of Information
Olive Morris House Brixton Hill
London
SW2 1RD
If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the review you have a further right to appeal to the
Information Commissioner, who regulates the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act.
The Commissioner can be contacted at the following address:
Info m on Comm
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
on ’ Off c
Enquiry line: 0303 123 1113
Thank you for your interest in Lambeth Council.
Yours faithfully
Sara Thomas
Complaints & Information Officer
FOI team
London Borough of Lambeth
Tel. 020 7926 9392 / 020 7926 0547
E-mail [email protected]
Website: www.lambeth.gov.uk
Complaints and Information Officer
Corporate Complaints Unit
London Borough of Lambeth
Finance and Resources Department
Team Tel: 020 7926 0547
Website: www.lambeth.gov.uk
Lambeth Town Hall
Brixton Hill
SW2 1RW
Lambeth - a Co-operative Council

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