Nominations resource management overview
As well as owning any number of properties which can be allocated according to a lettings policy, a Local Authority may 'nominate' or recommend applicants from their waiting list to become the new tenants of empty Housing Association properties. Housing Associations are often required to assist the Local Authority in finding accommodation for those in need, and prospective 'nominees' are submitted for an agreed percentage of their properties that become vacant. Typically, 2 or 3 'nominees' will be submitted for each vacancy, selecting those applicants who qualify based on set conditions:
Non-organisation assets - referred to as nominations resources - are maintained on the database as separate records and provide a significant source of lettings opportunities, helping to alleviate the burden in the demand for social housing. The amount of time during which a nominations resource is void - no current occupying tenants - should be closely controlled to keep waiting list times to a minimum. The best method by which a void asset is transitioned effectively to a point where it is suitable for letting is through an agreed action plan. Typically, the detail of this plan is well-defined and applicable to multiple assets of the same type. Put simply, an action plan is a chronological list of events that should be undertaken in relation to the nominations resource in order to secure its readiness. For example, an event could be to initiate the necessary repairs or to reconnect utility supplies. Whilst a broad ranging action plan can be created for the nominations resource type, it is then possible to identify a subset of key actions from the linked plan that relate to a specific resource, referred to as the critical or action path. So, for example, some void properties may have no repairs to be completed; hence that particular event may not apply, although it would be prudent for at least one action to include a repair status analysis report. Once all critical actions from the active plan have been completed, the nominations resource is ready to be marketed and allocated to prospective tenants. As potential matches are identified and offers made, it is possible to review these directly through the resource record, crucially as suitable tenants are secured.
Separate help articles have been created for each key aspect of nominations resource management, including: