Services we provide

Your questions about housing allocation

How can I apply for council housing?

Anyone wishing to apply for council housing must fill in a housing application form.

How do I apply for a council house?

All applicants for council housing, or existing tenants who wish to transfer to another property, must complete an application form.

How long do I have to wait before I'm offered a council property?

The length of time you will wait for Council housing depends on your choice of housing, such as the size of house you need, the type of house you want, and the area you want to move to. The more choices you include, the sooner you are likely to be offered a house. Your local Housing Office will give you more information about your own particular application.

How many offers of housing can be made?

While you remain on the waiting list, you can receive any number of offers. However, if you refuse any reasonable offer, your name will be suspended for 12 months before you will be considered for any further offers of housing.

How many points are needed for particular house types or area?

Every application is placed on the waiting list in point order. The number of points needed will be different from one area and house type to another.

What happens once I have submitted my housing application form?

We will assess your level of need for new housing and decide how many points you have. We will then write to you letting you know.

What impact does a change in my circumstances or a move to a different address have on where I am in the housing list?

It is important that you notify us immediately if there is a change in your circumstances. This will allow us to reassess your points levels and your relative priority on the housing list.

What is a Transfer Incentive Package and how do I get one?

A transfer incentive package is when council tenants who live in larger houses and no longer require them can claim a package of practical and financial assistance if they agree to transfer to a smaller or similar-sized flat or maisonette.

Who can apply for council housing?

Anyone aged 16 or over can apply for council housing provided they:- Are currently living in the area Work or have been offered work in the area Wish to move to the area to seek employment Are over 60 and wish to move nearer a younger relative for support Have special social or medical reasons for moving to the area.

Why does the Council want to encourage tenants to transfer into smaller properties?

By law, the Council has to sell its properties to sitting tenants who want to buy. This means that we have sold many larger cottage-type houses and fewer become available to let. By encouraging people to move out of homes that are larger than they need, we hope to allocate larger properties to families to reduce overcrowding.

Can I state a preference for a particular house?

Yes, we can record your interest in a particular house, but unless you are at the top of the waiting list, we won't be able to offer you the house. If you are already in a council property, you could try for a mutual exchange with the people who are in the house that you like.

Do I have a choice of house type and area?

You can apply for a maximum of five areas where you would like to be rehoused and can choose the house type you require.

What size of council house can I apply for?

You may request accommodation which is smaller or larger than that for which you would be assessed by the Council, providing overcrowding does not occur.

How can I move to another Council House?

If you want to move to another council house, you can apply for a mutual exchange, where you swap properties with someone else, or you can re-apply for the housing waiting list.

How does the housing points system work?

The Council's points system is based on need. Points are awarded for many different things such as overcrowding and medical priority.

Under what circumstances would I be eligible for extra housing points?

Points are awarded for need, such as overcrowding or medical requirements. If your circumstances change, tell your local Housing Office, and they will recalculate your points accordingly.

What sort of things can I get extra housing points for?

You can get extra housing points for such things as medical reasons, overcrowding and how long you've been on the waiting list. Contact your local housing office for more detailed information.

Will I get medical points priority?

If you complete a Medical Priority Form, it will be assessed by an independent medical specialist, who will decide whether or not you are entitled to extra medical points.

Will I get overcrowding points?

You will get points on the basis of how many extra bedrooms your family needs. This depends on the ages and sex of everyone in your household.

Will I get points for being homeless?

You will be allocated priority need for housing, but if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, you should contact the Homelessness Team immediately for advice and assistance.

Will I get points for living in a communal entrance flat?

Yes, you will get extra points for living in shared access accommodation, for example, a bedsit, but not for living in a common stair.

Will I get points for substandard housing?

If you are asessed and then identified as living in non-tolerable accommodation" you will be entitled to additional points."

If two people with a tenancy each apply for one tenancy, do their points get added together?

If you are a Council tenant and you wish to move into a house along with another Council tenant, you will not be awarded any extra points if you both give up your tenancies.

Do I get more housing points the longer I've been on the council's housing waiting list?

Yes, points will be awarded for the time that you are on the waiting list. This is called 'time in need'. You will get 10 points for every complete year you are on the list.

When would I be entitled to get under-occupancy points?

You can get under-occupancy points after you've been on the waiting list for at least a year.