Allocations Policy - Part 1

What is the points scheme?

We receive many applications from people in different housing circumstances.  The points scheme tries to measure the housing needs and requirements of all the applicants and allocate our limited number of properties as fairly as possible.

Why is a points system used?

We cannot provide accommodation for everyone on the housing register, so we allocate empty properties to those people in greatest housing need. In order to help us reach this decision we use a points scheme. This awards points for different housing conditions and needs which are then added up to give your position on the waiting list.

Who can apply for housing?

You can register on the housing register if you are aged 18 or over and do not fall within the categories covered in 4 below.

Who is excluded from the housing register?

You will only now be excluded from the housing register if:-

1. You are subject to immigration control under the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996,
2. You are guilty of unacceptable behaviour serious enough to make you unsuitable to be a tenant,
3. If you have knowingly given false or misleading information.

Rent arrears either with us or another landlord may mean points are deducted. This is covered in number 7 of the Allocations Policy - Part 2.

If we decide that you cannot go onto the Housing Register, then you can ask for the decision to be reviewed. To do this, you must write to the Head of Housing Services and ask for a review to be carried out. This must be done within 21 days from you being told that you cannot go onto the Housing Register. The review will be carried out by someone who was not involved in the original decision to refuse your application. For further details about requesting a review, please contact the Housing Section.

I rent a Council property, how do I get a move?

You can register for a transfer, your application will be considered equal status to new applicants.

How is my priority on the waiting list determind?

You will be given points for the following reasons:-

1. If your present accommodation is unsuitable,
2. If you share the property with another family,
3. If you do not have a bathroom or inside toilet,
4. If you are overcrowded or the house is too large for you,
5. If the house needs repairing,
6. If you have medical problems,
7. If your accommodation is temporary or occupied on insecure terms,
8. If your property is unsuitable for a disabled family member who normally resides with you,
9. If you need to move closer to a relative to provide care and support,
10. If your social or economic circumstances are such that you have difficulty in obtaining secure accommodation,
11. Have a local connection through living within the Borough,
12. After you have been on the waiting list for twelve months you will be given an additional point. This is called 'an enhancement point'. For each subsequent year you will be given an additional point.

The more unsatisfactory your present circumstances are, the more points you will accumulate. The highest priority is given to an applicant with the largest total of points.