Have your say on proposed changes to how we allocate council homes

Before we make any changes to our Allocations Policy, we’re asking for your feedback. This is your chance to have your say about the proposals, which are summarised below. You can read more details online and then let us know what you think by completing the survey online or at the Central Library before Monday 18 March 2024.

Replacing the current point-based scheme with a banding scheme

Rather than allocating points, we will place applicants into bands according to their circumstances and housing needs, with Band A being the highest level of priority down to Band D.

Limiting the number of offers an applicant can refuse

Currently, applicants bid online for eligible properties via Homebid, and there is no limit to how many offers each person can decline. However, every property that is refused costs us time and lost rent, so we are proposing to introduce a limit. If an applicant refuses three suitable offers, they will be placed into Band D for six months, and rejecting a fourth suitable offer will result in being removed from the Housing Needs Register. Different rules will apply for those needing to move due to urgent medical or welfare needs and people escaping violence or intimidation.

Ensuring children over 16 are entitled to their own bedroom

Currently, two children of the same sex are expected to share a bedroom regardless of their age gap. We propose that all over 16s will be entitled to their own bedroom.

Changes to the amount of time an applicant must have lived in Southampton

Currently, applicants must have lived in the city for three continuous years to join the Housing Needs Register. We propose to change this to allow applications from people who have lived here for three out of the past five years (so that those who have had to leave to find temporary accommodation are not excluded from applying).

Making applicants re-register every year

This will be a simple exercise (not a full new application) to ensure we confirm whether any circumstances have changed and that applicants are assigned to the correct band.

Introducing a property inspection before a tenant moves out

This will help ensure homes are well maintained (as is required by the Tenancy Agreement) and handed back in good order so that we can reduce time and money spent on getting each property ready for the next tenants. We also look at how tenants have looked after their home when we assess suitability for a new property.

For full details about the proposals are available online. Please let us know what you think by completing the consultation survey before Monday 18 March 2024. You can complete the survey online or paper copies are available at the Central Library. We will bring you updates on the results of the consultation in future issues of Tenants’ Link.