Changes to the Housing Allocations Policy from 1 April 2024
We held a borough-wide consultation last year on changing our housing allocations policy. There was significant support for our new priorities, and Councillors agreed the changes in November 2023.
The new policy
The new policy is designed to:
- set out clearly how we allocate and let social housing in the borough
- ensure decisions in regards to an application for housing are made fairly with a clear reason for why we have made the decision
- make the policy easier to navigate and understand
- simplify eligibility, qualification and making it clearer about those we cannot house
- improve the way we give an application a priority; this is especially important given the demand for housing and the small number of properties that are available to let each year
- ensure compliance with recent legislation and good practice
Implementation and transitional measures
The updated policy applies to all new applications and lettings from 1 April 2024. We are in the process of reassessing existing applications under the new criteria.
Due to the number of applications, we expect the reassessment process to take several months.
We will contact those affected if their eligibility or banding changes after reassessment. Anyone removed from the register will be able to appeal. The decision letter sent to you will explain how the appeal process works.
Temporary pause on assessments
For 6 weeks, we will pause assessments for:
- new applications
- changes in circumstances
This will help us ensure a smooth transition to the new policy, and align these assessments with the new guidelines after 1 April.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
We are committed to ensuring that we allocate our social housing resources as effectively and fairly as possible, supporting our community's needs. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we implement these necessary changes.