Changing the way we allocate council homes

This is to make the process for new applicants simpler and fairer, and ensure those households with the highest level of housing need are prioritised.

The changes, which follow full consultation with local residents, will see a new banding system replace the current points based scheme. This means that rather than allocating points, we will place applicants into bands according to their circumstances and housing needs, with Band A being the highest level of priority down to Band D.

Other changes include:

• Local connection criteria: Previously, applicants had to have lived in Southampton for three continuous years to join the Housing Needs Register. This will change to allow applications from people who have lived here for three out of the past five years (so that those who have had to leave to find temporary accommodation are not excluded from applying)
• Limiting the number of offers an applicant can refuse: Every property that an applicant refuses costs us time and lost rent. The new system will mean that applicants will be placed into band D after refusing three suitable offers. Different rules will apply for those needing to move due to urgent medical or welfare needs and people escaping violence or intimidation
• Ensuring children over 16 are entitled to their own bedroom

While we implement the new policy and system we have temporarily closed the Housing Register to new applicants (except to those with an urgent need for rehousing). The re-registration process will begin on 20 January 2025, and the new system will go live in early April.

If you have a current housing application that is live, you will be able to continue to bid through Homebid as you normally would, and we will contact you with advice about the new system nearer the time. In the meantime, please continue to update us if there is a change in your circumstances.

If you are an existing tenant the new rules will not affect your current tenancy, but they will if you apply for a move.

If you would like more information or some support through this process:

• Visit: Join the housing register
• Email: Housing.Allocations@southampton.gov.uk 
• Call us: 023 8083 3006