Stratford-on-Avon District Council is inviting residents and stakeholders to have their say on proposed changes to its Housing Allocations scheme, which determines how social housing is allocated across the District.
The District Council is introducing a new policy following the end of its partnership under the Home Choice Plus scheme. The proposed Stratford-on-Avon District Council Allocations Scheme aims to ensure that access to social housing is fair, transparent, and prioritises those in greatest need.
Key proposed changes include:
- Introducing a qualifying criterion of housing need, meaning applicants who are suitably housed will no longer be eligible to join the register.
- Increasing income thresholds to ensure housing is prioritised for households without alternative options.
- Introducing suspension of applications in cases where households have deliberately worsened their housing situation.
- Enhanced provisions for households fleeing domestic abuse and those with armed forces connections.
- A clearer, tiered approach to medical priority banding.
- A simplified banding structure with five priority bands.
The new policy will be implemented alongside a choice-based lettings system, allowing households to bid for properties that meet their needs.
The District Council has a statutory duty to maintain an allocations scheme and is updating its policy to reflect legislative changes, local housing priorities, and the need to make best use of available housing stock. Despite significant development in recent years, including 4,446 new affordable homes since 2019/20, demand for social housing continues to outstrip supply.
Have your say
The consultation is now open and will run for six weeks until 4pm on Tuesday 3 March.
During this period, the District Council will host events, including a briefing session for members, and will engage with key stakeholders such as Registered Providers of Social Housing.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposed changes and share their views.
For more information and to take part in the consultation, visit: Social Housing Allocations Policy Consultation | Stratford-on-Avon District Council
The online questionnaire can be found here: Housing Allocation Policy Consultation
Printed copies of the questionnaire are available from the District Council offices in Stratford-upon-Avon or please call 01789 267575 if you want a copy posted out to you. They will also be available at Alcester Library, Southam Library, Southam Town Council and Shipston Town Councils.
Councillor Liz Coles, Housing, Revenues and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, said: "This is an important opportunity for residents and partners to help shape a policy that ensures social housing is allocated fairly and effectively, supporting those most in need across our District."
Feedback will help shape the final policy, which will be considered by Cabinet and Council later this year.
