Social housing allocation

There is a severe shortage of affordable accommodation in the UK, and whilst this can vary from area to area it can still be difficult to secure decent and affordable accommodation. This shortage includes private rented accommodation and social housing. Social housing is accommodation let by local authorities and other social landlords, e.g. housing associations, known generally as 'registered social landlords' (RSLs).

To apply for social housing you need to join the housing register, which is the waiting list managed by your local authority. You need to complete the application form and include details of any medical problems. It’s important that you complete a separate medical assessment form for each member of your household with a medical problem as this may increase your priority on the housing register.

Unfortunately being on the housing register does not mean you will be housed, nor is there a duty on the local authority to ever house you. Most local authorities, particularly those in London and the South East of England, have a much greater demand than they have housing stock. Most people who apply are unlikely to ever be housed and for those who are given extra priority, the wait can still sometimes be several years. Some of the housing registers in London have over 22,000 people waiting, and additional people applying each week.

After registering you should be told what band or group you have been placed in and the level of priority you have. Each local authority has its own allocations policy, which you should be able to find on their web site. They are all slightly different but work from legislation set by central government in the Housing Act 1996 Parts VI (allocations).

There is a right of review for decisions about eligibility and of the facts taken into consideration in making allocation decisions.　

The Housing Act 1996 PtVI (allocations) allows people to apply to any authority in the country. However in most cases this will be a "fool’s errand" if you do not have a connection with the area you are applying to. If you do apply to an authority, that you do not live in nor have a connection to, they legally have to take the application but may "suspend" you for a certain period. An authority may also give residents living in the area extra points or priority so as to disadvantage those who do not live in the area to such a degree that if you are not resident, you will never be successful.

For more detailed information please see Shelters website:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/campaigns/why_we_campaign/Improving_social_housing

If you have any questions about social housing allocation you can contact THT Direct