Housing Allocation Scheme

The Council would like to make some changes to the Allocation Scheme and HomefinderRCT to make the service better for applicants.  We want to:

• Allow people with debt under the equivalent of 8 weeks rent to be eligible for social housing. Applicants with rent arrears/former or current tenant debt over the equivalent of 8 weeks rent will not be eligible for social housing, unless they have signed up to a repayment plan and made regular repayments for 12 weeks.
• Change how adapted properties are allocated to applicants by making sure that adapted properties are allocated to applicants that need that same level of an adapted property. For example, when a fully adapted property becomes available it will be allocated to a person who needs a fully adapted property, and who has an application registered in the highest band and who has been waiting the longest. 
• Ensure the Housing Allocation Scheme includes a clear definition of Hate Crime and award Band B to applicants suffering from Hate Crime where it is not safe for them or their household to remain in their current home.

 

Changes we would like to make

1. Rent Arrears and other Housing Related Debt

Currently, applicants with over £744 rent arrears and/or other housing related debt are ineligible to join the HomefinderRCT register. The figure is no longer relevant owing to the high costs of renting, especially taking into account the difference between social housing rents and private rented accommodation.

Applicants with rent arrears or former tenancy related debt that is under the equivalent of 8 weeks rent will be eligible to join the HomefinderRCT register and will be awarded a Band relevant to their housing need.

Applicants with rent arrears or former tenancy related debt over the equivalent of 8 weeks rent will not be eligible to join the HomefinderRCT register until they have signed up to a repayment plan and made regular repayments for 12 weeks (or three months). Ineligible applicants will be given a personal plan outlining the actions they need to take in order for their application to be made eligible.

Once an applicant has paid off their debt, the original application date will be reinstated (up to a maximum of 6 months). If there is still a debt outstanding after payments have been maintained for 12 weeks, the applicant will be eligible to join the register but must continue to make regular repayments. Any default on the repayment plan will mean that the start date of the application will be pushed back by 6 months.

 

2. Adapted Properties

At the moment, adapted properties are allocated based on a best match approach, this means that properties with adaptations are allocated to the person who needs the specific adaptations to the property rather than those who have waited the longest time. As a result, some applicants who need adaptations can sometimes wait an extremely long time to be rehoused. In some cases, an adapted property is allocated to someone in a lower band because they need all the adaptations that are included in the property that is being allocated.

Adapted properties will be categorised as either a Level 1 Fully Adapted or Level 2 Accessible property. Fully Adapted properties have extensive adaptations that meet most or all the needs of applicants who need to get around their home using a wheelchair. Accessible properties may have some adaptations or modifications installed which make them accessible for the needs of persons with mobility difficulties.

Applicants will be matched to the relevant property category first, for example either a Fully Adapted property or an Accessible property, followed by band (person in the highest band) and then by waiting time (the applicant that has been waiting the longest).

 

3. Hate Crime/Equalities

In our Housing Allocation Scheme there is currently no specific reference to Hate Crime.

The Housing Allocation Scheme will include a definition of Hate Crime and Band B will be awarded to an applicant who is experiencing Hate Crime and needs to move because it is not safe for them or their household to stay in their current home.

Priority will be given where severe harassment has been established and there is evidence to show that it is not reasonable for the applicant and their household to remain in their property.

 

To take part in the consultation please click on the link: https://RCTCBC.welcomesyourfeedback.net/housing_allocation_scheme

This consultation will close on 12th August 2025 at 5pm.

.