From Monday 11 November 2019 members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes to the City of Cape Town’s Allocation Policy: Housing Opportunities (2015). This policy governs and directs the way the City selects and allocates State-subsidised housing opportunities to qualifying beneficiaries who are registered on the Housing Database to ensure a fair and transparent housing allocation process within the metro. The comment period closes on Tuesday 10 December 2019.

‘The Policy sets out the criteria, processes, procedures and responsibilities related to the allocation of State-subsidised housing opportunities, based on regulations by National Government and the Western Cape Government’s Human Settlements Policy Framework. Members of the public are encouraged to have a look at the proposals and to be part of the review process,’ said the Chairperson for Council’s Human Settlements Portfolio Committee, Councillor Beverley van Reenen on the committee’s approval of a public participation process.

The proposed changes vary and relate to the different types of State-subsidised housing opportunities, including Breaking New Ground (BNG), Council Rental Housing as well as the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme.

‘The proposed changes to this policy aim to enhance fairness, create greater transparency, draft clear policy provisions and expedite decision-making time when selecting and allocating State-subsidised housing opportunities to qualifying beneficiaries who are registered on the City’s Housing Database.

‘As a City, we are mindful of the acute need for housing opportunities across the metro. We are making every effort to provide housing opportunities and services within a planned and fair manner wherever possible within the constraints, such as available budget, suitable land and community dynamics and so on, that are being experienced.

‘Given this context, it is imperative that when State-subsidised housing opportunities are available, that our policies ensure that the right, qualifying people, who are registered on the City’s Housing Database, benefits fairly and are empowered with housing opportunities,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi.

Some of the proposed changes include:

Anti-social behaviour taken into consideration when applying for Council Rental Housing

‘As a responsible landlord, the City’s Human Settlements Directorate aims to tighten our efforts around anti-social behaviour at our rental accommodation by proposing that a person’s record of anti-social behaviour be taken into account when considering their tenancy application.

‘The amendment is proposing that occupants will not be considered for a transfer of tenancy if they have a record of anti-social behaviour 12 months prior to the request. This is a very important proposed amendment as it will help address the operational challenges and improve the living conditions for our law-abiding tenants who have the right to a safer environment,’ said Councillor Booi.

Income bracket increase from R10 000 to R15 000 per month

It is proposed that the monthly income bracket is increased from R10 000 up to R15 000 for households who may apply for newly built Council-owned rental housing to be in line with the National Social Housing Policy.

Process for vacant serviced sites to BNG ‘non-qualifiers’ included

There are proposed changes which aim to include the processes around creating housing opportunities for people who have been selected for a housing project but do not qualify for BNG housing due to their income bracket.

‘These proposed changes aim to formalise the process for housing opportunities for households with a monthly household income of between R3 501 and R7 000 by providing access to a serviced site.

‘It also aims to provide households with a monthly income exceeding R7 000 the opportunity to buy vacant serviced sites at market value from the municipality. These proposed changes are in line with the National Human Settlements Policy,’ said Councillor Booi.

Allocation process for Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (Phase 3 and 4)

The proposal is to include the allocation process for the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP Phase 3 and 4).

‘Phase 3 and Phase 4 of the UISP results in a serviced site or a top structure i.e. plot and/or house being transferred to a qualifying beneficiary, and therefore, it is important to set procedures in place for the allocation of these opportunities,’ said Councillor Booi.

Expediting decision-making processes

‘In terms of expediting decision-making processes, the proposed amendments include changing the approach to determining the target areas and beneficiary percentage split for BNG housing projects by using evidence-based analysis of the housing demand. Currently this is being determined by the Project Steering Committee, which includes representatives for the beneficiaries and can involve weeks of lengthy robust deliberation.

‘Another proposal is to allow the Mayoral Committee together with the Mayor to approve deviations from the Housing Allocation Policy within a set criteria, instead of also obtaining Council’s approval, which takes long as Council only meets up to once a month,’ said Councillor Booi.

Public participation process

‘As a City, we look forward to the comments from members of the public on the proposed changes as it is our aim to obtain meaningful input so that together we can ensure that the Policy enhances fairness, creates greater transparency and clarity, and expedites decision-making time when selecting and allocating State-subsidised housing opportunities to qualifying beneficiaries,’ said Councillor Booi.

Source: City Of Cape Town