RESIDENTS are invited to have their say on proposed changes to how social housing is allocated across the district.
Stratford District Council is introducing a new housing allocations policy following the end of its partnership under the Home Choice Plus scheme. It is aimed at ensuring access to social housing is fair, transparent, and prioritises those in greatest need.
Key proposed changes include introducing a qualifying criterion of housing need, meaning applicants who are suitably housed will no longer be eligible to join the register, increasing income thresholds to ensure housing is prioritised for households without alternative options, introducing suspension of applications in cases where households have deliberately worsened their housing situation, enhanced provisions for households fleeing domestic abuse and those with armed forces connections, a clearer, tiered approach to medical priority banding, and a simplified banding structure with five priority bands.
The new policy will be implemented alongside a choice-based lettings system, allowing households to bid for properties that meet their needs.
SDC has a statutory duty to maintain an allocations scheme and is updating its policy to reflect legislative changes, local housing priorities, and the need to make best use of available housing stock. Despite significant development in recent years, including 4,446 new affordable homes since 2019/20, demand for social housing continues to outstrip supply.
Visit online1.snapsurveys.com/Interview/9e1154a1-f019-460f-8c22-dbc8328348b6 to take part in the consultation before 4pm on Tuesday March 3.
Feedback will help shape the final policy, which will be considered by cabinet and full council later this year.
