DCLG publishes revised guidance on social housing allocations

The Department for Communities and Local Government has published new statutory guidance on social housing allocations.

The DCLG claimed that as a result councils would have more flexibility to:

• “stop prospective tenants who already own another property from benefiting from a council property they don't need;
• “support those who are willing to provide a loving home for children - whether they are adopters or fosterers, or other family and friend carers, and
• “offer tailored advice and support to those whose housing needs may be better met by private rented and other forms of housing, and who may not qualify to join the local social housing waiting list.”

The revised guidance includes an exception for military families when it comes to proving a local connection to the area they want to live in.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps claimed that the moves would end the unfair treatment of military families on waiting lists.

“But I want to be sure that the safety net of social housing is not just there for those serving our country, but also the families that support them,” he added. “So I'm planning for the first time to extend this help to those who lose loved ones on the front line, as well as men and women injured in the line of duty."

Shapps also insisted that the changes would give councils and housing associations more freedom to use their discretion to reward "ambition and achievement".

This would ensure that homes went to the most in need “such as hard working families - instead of those who merely know how to tick the most boxes”, he added.

A copy of Allocation of accommodation: Guidance for local housing authorities in England can be downloaded here.