Housing Allocation Scheme 2023

The Housing Allocation Scheme 2023 updates a previous scheme created in 2014 and amended in 2017.

It sets out:

how residents can join the Housing Register
how we prioritise residents for social housing
how we let social housing

We developed the new scheme in consultation with residents, stakeholders and staff.

It aims to make the best use of a limited supply of social housing to help those most in housing need.

Key changes

The new scheme includes a number of key changes, including:

bands for priority points to provide greater clarity to residents on their position on the Housing Register
recognising the Grenfell-related priorities that can be awarded to residents
ten additional waiting points for each year someone has waited to be rehoused
increased priority for under-occupiers and those moving from accessible homes
new priority category for residents who choose the private rented sector instead of long-term temporary accommodation
ending paid work points for new applications
having quotas and special rehousing pathways: targets for letting a percentage/number of available homes to different types of housing need, rather than only to those with the highest number of points
chain lettings approach whereby multiple lettings are created once a home becomes available to let
home preferences: certain households can set preferences for the type of home they want to be offered

Scheme details

Read the Housing Allocation Scheme 2023. Alongside it, the summary document provides a summary of the Housing Allocation Scheme and answers some frequently asked questions. The summary of changes table compares the points awarded under the new and previous schemes, highlighting the main changes.