A stronger focus on housing need as demand for Council homes soars.
The Council has unveiled proposals to restrict council housing to those that need it most and have been in the city longest.
The Housing and New Homes Committee agreed in September to launch a consultation in the city about the future of how it allocates social housing in the city and this has now gone live.
Currently the city has an open register with over 23,000 applications but this year the council will only offer about 750 properties. With such a small proportion on the waiting list having the chance of housing, the council is considering proposals that will prioritise need.
With continual changes in welfare reform and other areas announced in the budget it is possible the number of future allocations of properties is likely to reduce. It’s also unlikely that there is going to be any major increases in building social housing to rent in the city outside of those planned by the city council.
Cllr Anne Meadows, Chair of the Housing & New Homes Committee, said: “Demand massively outstrips supply in the city so it’s right that our housing register recognises this huge demand, is realistic and prioritises those in greatest need. We are doing everything we can to build new affordable homes but the pace of demand outstrips our ability to meet growing need.
“I must stress these are proposals and as such we want to hear feedback from residents and others affected in the city.”
The consultation will be open till February 28 and a report on the consultation will be submitted to councillor later in 2016.
To respond to the consultation, click here:
To view the current allocation policy, click here:
The council is obliged to allocate social housing in accordance with its published allocations policy.
The Council expects to receive a report on the consultation and a draft allocation policy in May/June 2016