A new fair policy for social housing

A new housing allocation policy has been agreed to make sure the borough’s limited social housing is allocated fairly to those in the highest housing need. 

The new local policy takes on board feedback from residents following a public consultation over the winter. It aims to make sure we have a fair approach to allocating social housing in response to the high level of housing need in Bracknell Forest.

Some of the important changes in the new policy are:

• giving greater priority to the most overcrowded households with dependent children (within the limited number of larger family homes available)
• more support for those wishing to downsize to smaller homes to help free up larger family homes
• recognition of the needs of care leavers, ex-armed services personnel, foster carers and those with the most urgent housing need
• reducing complexity and unfairness making the policy easier to understand

Under the new policy, households will now only need to have lived in the area for 2 years to be placed on the housing list. Previously it was 4 years. 

The introduction of a new income cap will mean high earners will no longer be able to apply for social housing. This will make it fairer to those on a low income as it will stop people who can afford to rent privately from taking up a social home. 

Working households and non-working households will be treated in the same way, to make sure there is no discrimination against those who are unable to work.  

Removal of the cumulative preference priority will make the policy less complicated while still recognising those with multiple needs.

The additional priority banding automatically given to people waiting more than 6 years will be dropped to make sure that all households are treated fairly, based on their level of housing need. Those previously waiting more than 6 years will be reassessed with their current need and no longer automatically receive additional priority.

The new policy will also make sure the council is acting in line with national guidance and changes in government legislation. 

Grainne Siggins, executive director for people, said: 

“Our housing policy needed to be brought up to date, in line with what local people are currently telling us about who should be our priority for social housing. 

“Availability of social homes in the borough is very limited, so we have to look carefully at who is prioritised and make sure that the system is fair and easy to understand. This new policy makes sure we put our most vulnerable people and families at the top in terms of housing priority, including those with dependent children, foster carers, care leavers, and other vulnerable groups. 

“It also aims to make it a much fairer system, making sure those with the greatest need get the most urgent support.”   

The new policy was agreed by the council’s executive at its meeting on Tuesday 23 April. It will start to be implemented in 2024.