Have your say on proposed social housing policy change

North East Lincolnshire Council, together with North Lincolnshire Council, is asking for peoples’ views on proposed changes to its joint Social Housing Allocations Policy.

The policy sets out how social housing is allocated across the two areas. It also determines who is eligible to apply for properties locally and, if they have applied, where they sit on the social housing register (the waiting list).

It is managed by Home Choice Lincs. This is a partnership between the two authorities and the local social housing landlords that own the social housing stock across Northern Lincolnshire. For example, in North East Lincolnshire, it is Lincolnshire Housing Partnership, (LHP).

Home Choice Lincs advertises properties to people on the housing register, asking applicants to register their interest. Properties are then allocated to those in highest need.

The register works on a banding system, with everyone placed in a specific band. Under the current policy, Band 1 is urgent priority need, Band 2 high housing need, Band 3 other housing needs & efficient use of the housing stock and Band 4 with no or low housing need. The Partnership is looking to make changes that aim to:

· Set out clearly how social housing is allocated across Northern Lincolnshire;

· Ensure decisions are made fairly and transparently;

· Make the document more accessible;

· Make it easier to understand the eligibility criteria, who qualifies, and who cannot be housed;

· Improve the way people are prioritised to ensure social housing is allocated to those most in need;

· Make the best use of the social housing available.

The changes are being proposed following research, work with experts to consider best practice from other local authorities, and consideration of the needs of the local communities.

Cllr Stewart Swinburn, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, Infrastructure and Transport said: “These proposed changes could affect everyone who is currently on the Home Choice Lincs housing register, and those who may apply for social housing in the future.

“It’s important that the Housing Allocations Policy leads to the fair and transparent allocation of social housing, prioritising those most in need, and this consultation period allows everyone to have their say.”

The consultation runs from the Monday 12 January to Sunday 15 March. You can find out more information and fill in the form by visiting https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/HCL-Allocations-consultation/

If you would like to fill in a paper copy of the consultation, you can find them from Wednesday 14^th January here:

• East Marsh Family Hub, 203 Victor Street, Grimsby, DN32 7QB
• West Marsh Family Hub, Macaulay Street, Grimsby, DN31 2ES
• Grimsby pop up library, Freshney Place (opposite Costa Coffee), DN21 1QL
• Cleethorpes Library, Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 8LG
• Immingham Library, Pelham Road, Immingham, DN40 1QF
• Waltham Library, High Street, Waltham, DN37 0LL

In person events for support to fill in the consultation, are being arranged and information will be on our social media channels so look out for that.