Homelink: Local Lettings Policies

I recently spoke to a local resident about an apparent oddity in the results of allocations in Homelink in South Cambs. A priority B resident was given a home in Arbury Park ahead of a city resident in band A. I did some investigation and felt it worthwhile to share the results more widely.

This was a result of a Local Letting Policy used by the Social Landlord (RSL) who run the housing on the Arbury Park development. They are giving priority for the South Cambs allocation to people who have a family connection to Histon or Impington. They are also giving priority for the houses allocated to Cambridge residents to those with Arbury and King's Hedges connections. Some of the policies are also aimed to ensure that there is a 'good balance' of families in the development.

The priority to village residents policies might make sense when the developments are actually in the villages, rather than over the A14 and seen by most as part of the neighbouring City. I will ensure that they are looked at in the six month review, but the policies are set by RSLs who don't have to be part of the Homelink scheme.

North Area Committee: 19 June

The North Area Committee meets this Thursday (19 June) at Manor School on Arbury Road.

The meeting has planning applications at 6.30pm, then from 7.30pm we have an agenda including...

• Arbury Park update from a South Cambs planning officer
• The Open Forum where you can raise issues with all the local councillors for the North of the city
• Decisions on the Community Development and Leisure grants. Several groups in King's Hedges have made applications for money from this pot.
• A discussion and update on the Environmental Improvements programme, including works on the Campkin Rd piazza.

If you have any concerns come along and see us.

There will also be an exhibition about the impact of climate change in the hall.