Clarification on five-year tenancies

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson said: “There have been inaccurate reports online and on social media suggesting tenants in larger Berneslai Homes properties will be asked to move. This is not true.

“The updated Tenancy Policy approved by Barnsley Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 5 February includes widening the use of Five-Year Flexible tenancies for larger homes (four bedrooms or more) and adapted or purpose-built disabled homes. However there is no change for tenants already living in large or adapted homes with secure (long term) tenancies.

“The change to the policy only applies to existing tenants who apply to move into one of these larger or modified homes, and only if their tenancy began after 1 April 2012. In these cases flexible tenancies will now be offered when they apply to move into the larger or modified home. There is no change at all for any tenants whose tenancy began before 1 April 2012.

“At the end of a five-year tenancy, if tenants’ circumstances have changed meaning they no longer need a significantly larger or adapted property, we may support them to move to more suitable accommodation. For example, this could include a large family whose children have left home leaving a single person or a couple in an oversized home. They would only be asked to move after careful consideration and discussion with the tenant and where we are able to offer a suitable alternative home.

“New tenants requesting larger or modified homes were already being offered five year tenancies before this change.

“I want to assure tenants that the changes to the Tenancy Policy do not affect the overwhelming majority of existing tenants. The changes have been made to help the council make the best use of social housing and meet the needs of those residents needing larger or adapted homes.”