This page contains further information about the Allocation Policy. This section gives advice about how long you will be waiting for a property and what to do if you cannot wait your turn. It gives suggestions of other ways to find accommodation. It also tells you what to do if you need further advice.
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18.
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How long will I wait for a property?
This is difficult to predict. The number of people on the housing register is always changing and your position on the register may change as others register who are in greater housing need. There is a shortage of certain properties in some areas. Even if you are at the top of the list you may have a long wait, as allocation will be subject to a property becoming available.
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18.1
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The number of Council properties is decreasing as existing tenants exercise their right to buy. On average 30 properties are sold each year and these are not replaced. At the end of December 2005 the we owned under 1250 properties. On average the we have 100 vacancies a year. The majority of these are for flats and maisonettes. There are approximately 800 applicants on the housing register.
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19.
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Are there other ways of getting accommodation?
You may apply to local housing associations. A list of their names and addresses can be obtained from the Housing Section or to view the lists online, click on the title of interest.
Housing Associations for single people and families|
Housing Associations for older people
You can be nominated to a housing association that has accommodation within the Borough but this can only happen when the association has a vacant property suitable for your needs. Unless you are an existing tenant you will not be offered a house, except under special circumstances.
If you are an existing tenant you may be able to exchange your council property with another council or housing association tenant subject to written consent from your housing officer and on condition certain requirements are met.
Staff at the Council Offices can also give you advice about acquiring housing in the private sector.
You could also look for private rented accommodation. There are details of letting agencies in the Yellow Pages directory. Information on private properties to let is detailed in the Leicester Mercury on a Monday night. The Housing Benefit section will be able to give you advice on eligibility to housing benefit. Dependent upon your income you may also be able to consider shared ownership. This is a scheme where you part own and part rent a property. This scheme is usually operated through housing associations.
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What if I cannot wait my turn on the Register?
If you think your housing situation has worsened or changed since you registered with us you should let us know so that a Housing Officer can check your details on your application form which may result in your points being adjusted. You must provide evidence of what the changes are.
If you deliberately worsen your housing circumstances in order to increase your points entitlement, the additional points will not normally be added to your application for a period of 12 months from the date when we were notified of the change in circumstances (for example, deliberately overcrowding a dwelling, loss of accommodation due to unreasonable behaviour or choosing to leave accommodation which was reasonable for you to continue to occupy).
We liases with private landlords and it may be possible to nominate you for a tenancy in the private sector.
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21.
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What if I need further advice or information?
You should contact the Housing Section, either by telephone or in person. If you are unable to get to the Council Offices then it may be possible for a Housing Officer to visit you at home.
If you wish to discuss your housing application in greater detail ask for an appointment. It will save you having to wait in reception.
You can also get independent advice from The Helping Hands Trust in South Wigston, Shelter Housing Advice or the Citizens Advice Bureau.
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