UK Council properties are a form of public sector housing also known as social housing, council homes were built to supply affordable homes for families on lower than average incomes who were not in a position to Mortgage, council housing has provided secure tenancies giving the tenants’ rights to exchange homes with other tenants. One fifth of the housing stock in the United Kingdom is now social housing which also includes homes provided by housing associations. In recent years Local Authorities have been given more powers to deal with anti social behaviour and misuse of council housing, which has enabled councils to regenerate areas and provide a better quality of life for residents living on and around estates. Who is eligible to apply for housing?The majority of people permanently living in the UK are eligible for housing, though this does not mean you will be housed; it means you will be considered for housing depending on your circumstances. Applying for council housingYou can get an application form from the DirectGov website, your local housing advice centre or local authority housing department or via their website. Information on your application and the priority groupsCouncil housing waiting lists do not offer a first come first served basis, instead they look at each individual application before they decide you gets priority housing. You can speak with the housing department or advice centre about waiting lists and the chance of you finding a home and the probable length of time it could take. Deciding factors:
- Housing Stock in your local area
- The priority you have been awarded
- Number of applicants who have more priority than you
How councils make their decision
There either use a banding or points system, priority will be given to applicants who have lived in the area for a longer period than applicants that have recently moved to the area, though certain groups of applicants are given more priority they are:
Homeless
Homeless or about to become homeless through no fault of your own
Housing Conditions
If you live in poor conditions, such as it’s overcrowded, the property is in a bad state of repair, you do not have access to good bathroom facilities or even basic washing and cooking facilities. The council will inspect properties to assess the conditions you are living in before they decide on the level of priority you are given. Dangerous or damaging to your health will gain a higher priority over inconvience for example too many stairs for a physically fit applicant.
Medical Conditions
If you or a member of your family have mobility problems and the current property is unsuitable for example wheelchair user above ground floor with no lift, suffer from mental health problems which is being made worse by your accommodation, your health is being made worse by where you are living, this could be for example extreme damp conditions, serious mold growth, something similar or worse. With medical conditions it is likely the council will consult a health or social worker possibly you’re GP or your children’s health visitor to support your application.
Moving to avoid hardship
You could be given reasonable preference if you or a member of your family study at a special school for example a school for the blind. You are in need of care and the people who will be supporting you live in the area. You need to live nearer relatives so either you can look after them or they can look after you.
Risks of Threat and Violence
If you have been threatened or at risk from violence, Domestic abuse in your own home, Gay or racial threats and attacks or if you have been a witness in a court case or a victim of crime and are likely to be intimidated.
For further or more indepth housing advice please contact your local housing department, housing advice centre or CAB office.
If you are homeless or about to become homeless you may also wish to speak with Shelter the housing and Homeless charity FREE Phone 0808 800 4444
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