Stratford-on-Avon District Council is preparing to launch a new Housing Register and Allocations Scheme, introducing a new online housing register called Stratford-on-Avon Home Choice.

The new system will replace the current Home Choice Plus housing register and is designed to support the delivery of the Council's updated Allocations Scheme.

To ensure a smooth transition, temporary arrangements will be introduced between August and October 2026. During this period, existing applicants will be supported to transfer to the new system and continue accessing housing opportunities.

Home Choice Plus will close to new housing register applications on 17 August 2026, with the new Stratford-on-Avon Home Choice system opening on 15 September 2026.

Residents who are already registered with Home Choice Plus will need to submit a new application through Stratford-on-Avon Home Choice. 

Existing applicants who submit a new application between 15 September and 27 October 2026 will have their housing need reassessed under the new Allocations Scheme and, if awarded the same or a lower housing need band, will retain their current band start date or application date, as applicable. 

Where an applicant is awarded a higher housing need band following reassessment, the higher band will take effect from the date it is awarded under the new Allocations scheme.

Applicants can continue to apply after 27 October 2026, but those who apply after this date may not retain their existing band start date or application date. 

Property advertising will continue through Home Choice Plus for most of the transition period, including a final two-week bidding cycle before the new system becomes fully operational. The first bidding cycle on Stratford-on-Avon Home Choice will begin on 27 October 2026.

Supporting applicants during the transition

The District Council has carefully planned the transition to minimise disruption for applicants. Households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness will continue to receive support through the Council's Homelessness Service throughout the transition period.

Support will also be available for residents who need assistance completing an online application or who are unable to access digital services independently.

Councillor Liz Coles, Housing and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, said: "Introducing Stratford-on-Avon Home Choice is an important step in modernising the way we manage applications for social housing across the District.

"We want to make the transition as straightforward as possible for our residents and would encourage all existing applicants to look out for further information and submit a new application during the transition period so that, where applicable, they can retain their existing band start date or application date.

"We recognise that moving to a new system can raise questions, which is why support will be available throughout the process. Our priority is to ensure that those who need housing assistance continue to receive the help and advice they need."

Key Dates

• 17 August 2026 - Home Choice Plus closes to new housing register applications.
• 15 September 2026 - Stratford-on-Avon Home Choice opens for applications.
• 15 September to 27 October 2026 - Existing Home Choice Plus applicants need to submit a new application during this period to retain their current band start date or application date, where applicable, if awarded the same or a lower housing need band following reassessment.
• 27 October 2026 - First bidding cycle on Stratford-on-Avon Home Choice.

Further Information

Existing applicants will receive further information before the new system opens.

Residents with questions about the transition can contact the Housing Advice Team:

Telephone: 01789 260861
Email: housingadviceteam@stratford-dc.gov.uk