We need your views on the changes we’re proposing to make to our Housing Allocation Policy. Please take part in our short survey. You can find the survey online at www.bit.ly/hhr-20 Alternatively, you can fill in a paper survey form (add contact for this).
The changes affect anyone applying for housing. We’ve emailed or written to everyone on the Housing Register to tell them how to give us their views. Your views will help us decide what to do.
These are some of the changes that we’d like your views on. We are proposing that:
- Only tenants of the 6 Highland Housing Register landlords will get points for ‘under-occupying’ their homes (i.e. having more rooms than they need)
- Over-crowding points will only be based on additional rooms needed (no points for extreme overcrowding)
- People who are overcrowded on occasion because they have access to children will only get over-crowding points if they have equally shared access (i.e. for 50% or more of the time)
- Only poor conditions in private housing considered to be a high or medium priority will be considered
- A new category for people experiencing domestic abuse who could continue to be at high risk will be set up.
- ‘Insecure tenancy’ points will only be given to those with no security of tenure or private / tied tenants who have been given a ‘Notice to Quit’ their home.
- Sharing points will only be given to people who are sharing facilities with at least 2 other households.
- ‘Need to Reside’ will be used as a ‘tie-breaker’ – when two or more applicants are shortlisted, the applicant with a particular need to live in the community (e.g. as they live or work or get or give support there) will be offered it first.
- There will be no changes to other categories such as homelessness or where someone’s housing is unsuitable for their long-term health / medical needs.
We’re making these changes so that we can, more fairly, target people in urgent need of housing and meet our legal duties.
The consultation ends on 30 November. We’ll update you in our next Tenants Newsletter. Keep an eye on the Council’s website for consultation feedback too.
Find out more here.
