Decision details

To approve the changes proposed to the Housing Register / Housing Allocations Policy.

It is recommended the proposals set out in the review of the Housing Register / Housing Allocations Policy report are implemented.

The changes will give greater preference to people with the most housing need who do not have the resources to explore other housing options and will reduce    the administrative burden of managing a Housing Register of circa 11100 applicants of whom 40% have no realistic chance of achieving an offer of accommodation.

The changes will also assist in managing customer expectations and means resources can be more effectively utilised to assist those with a genuine need to move.

The option of keeping the current policy unchanged was also considered but this was not regarded as the best option given the backdrop of increasing demand for social housing and the limited supply of homes.

Feedback from the consultation exercise showed that overall the range of responses was between 51% - 70% stating that the changes would have either a positive effect or no effect upon them compared with 4% - 34% of the respondents who stated the proposals would have a negative effect on them.