A new council house allocations policy to give residents more choice in the process is on course to be introduced by South Kesteven District Council.
It will make for better matches and – ultimately – fewer empty properties.
SKDC currently matches individuals’ needs to their property directly from the housing register, whereas the new Choice Based Lettings Scheme would post available social and affordable rented housing vacancies online for eligible applicants to register a bid for any suitable properties.
Councillor Robert Reid, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, said: “This will provide customers in the greatest need with as much choice as possible and create an allocation system that is easy for everyone to understand. It gives SKDC the tools to better match those most in need with suitable housing and to use our housing resources as effectively as possible.
“It was also important to have a policy that incorporates current legislation and national policy changes, including those relating to domestic abuse and armed forces personnel.
“In addition to our Corporate Plan commitment to provide housing that meets the needs of all residents, this updated process will support our homelessness strategy, widen choice and be more accessible, as well as reflecting local needs in such a rural area.
“South Kesteven, like many areas nationally, is facing increasing demand for social housing that far outstrips supply. This change will enable SKDC to ensure customers are treated fairly, individually and in accordance with the commitment to equality and diversity and ensure there is adequate support for vulnerable people.”
All current applicants on the waiting list will be told about the changes to the policy and help will be provided to complete a new application.
The new policy will now be submitted to SKDC’s Cabinet for final approval.
SKDC has around 5,900 council houses. There are around 1,500 applications on the current housing register.
Homes are currently allocated on housing need. Applicants are placed in ‘housing bands’ ranging from ‘Emergency Band’ (for households in the highest housing need) to ‘Band 5’ (those in the lowest housing need). Under the current system, applicants have limited choice in the properties offered to them.
Under ‘Choice Based Lettings’ applicants can actively look for vacant properties and express an interest (known as ‘bidding’) rather than waiting to be offered a property. The number and type of properties does not change but applicants are considered for specific properties. The property is allocated to the applicant with the highest priority and who was registered to that housing band first.
This housing allocation scheme applies to:
a) New applicants
b) Existing social rented housing tenants who have a need to transfer from one tenancy to another with their current landlord
c) Existing social rented housing tenants who need to transfer from one tenancy to another with a different social landlord.
The new policy will take into account the Armed Forces Covenant, recent Domestic Abuse guidance and the Homelessness Act 2017.
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