Angus Common Allocation Policy Review
We would like your views on our Draft Angus Common Allocation Policy.
Read our:
and then complete the survey.
The information you provide will help us finalise the policy and ensure we have captured and considered everyone's view of how we allocate housing in Angus.
Background
The Common Housing Register (CHR) is a single housing register, application process and allocation policy. Four social landlords in Angus operate a CHR:
Angus Council
Hillcrest Homes
Caledonia Housing Association
Blackwood Homes
Allocation Policy
An allocation policy sets out a landlord's aims and objectives when allocating properties. The policy must comply with relevant legislation, regulatory standards and statutory guidance.
The current Common Allocations Policy was approved by the Communities Committee in September 2017.
It was implemented in November 2020 with the introduction of Angus HomeFinder: an online application and choice-based lettings system.
Reviewing the policy
A full review of the policy ensures that it continues to:
comply with all relevant legislation, statutory guidance and policy developments
meets the needs of applicants, tenants, landlords and other key stakeholders
makes the best use of the properties available to allocate
The review also considers whether a choice-based lettings approach is the right way to deliver the policy's objectives.
When reviewing the policy we needed to consider:
the aim of the policy and the outcomes it seeks to achieve
what will and what will not be considered when allocating properties
the priority for housing given to applicants depending on their housing needs
how we give reasonable preference to the groups set out in legislation
information about assessing and verifying applicants' needs
house size eligibility criteria
criteria to allow participating landlords to flexibly allocate homes to people with exceptional circumstances
arrangements for suspending applicants from receiving offers
the appeals and complaints processes
arrangements for monitoring and reviewing the policy
Initial engagement
We asked tenants, applicants and staff for their views on the existing policy. We had lots of feedback, both positive and negative. We have used this feedback to inform the policy review.
The key changes relate to:
priority bandings
application categories
suspension timeframes
eligibility criteria for applications from outwith Angus
bedroom entitlement
65% of people we engaged with agreed with continuing a choice-based lettings approach, where we advertise available properties. The revised policy sets out that we will continue with this approach.
What happens next
We will close the survey on Monday 31 May 2024.
We will send updates to everyone who signs up to stay informed. The first update will go out before the end of July 2024.