Views sought on who should get social housing

Due to the limited amount of social housing, Harborough District Council is reviewing its policy on the criteria for applying for social housing to ensure priority is given to those without the financial means to access other housing options.

By law Local Housing Authorities must have an Allocations Policy and Scheme which explains who would be eligible to join the housing register, who would be given preference on the register and how social housing, that is available through the scheme, would normally be allocated.

Cllr Rosita Page, who has responsibility for housing allocations at Harborough District Council, said: “The Council is consulting with a wide range of people to make sure the consultation process is transparent and fair to all those seeking affordable accommodation in the Harborough district.”

 Some of the changes proposed include:

• Ensuring applicants have a strong local connection with the district by strengthening this criteria
• Ensuring applicants are re-paying any  housing related debts they have on a regular basis before accepting them on to the register
• Changing the bidding rules when the time limit has expired for those in High or Priority housing need bands
• Restricting  social and private tenants from joining the register if they are adequately housed
• Reviewing the income, capital and savings levels that are applied when applicants apply to join the housing register
• Removing applicants from the housing register if they have not bid for suitable sized properties

The closing date for comments as part of the consultation is 6 January 2017.

The council’s Executive will consider the proposed policy changes and feedback from the consultation in March 2017.

Have your say on the proposed changes to the Allocations Policy at www.harborough.gov.uk/consultation

A paper version of the consultation will also be available in Customer Services at The Symington Building in Market Harborough.