News / Housing
New policy could improve social housing allocation in Bristol
A new council proposal could alter eligibility criteria, moving people whose health is significantly affected by their housing conditions higher up on the social housing waiting list.
While the HomeChoice allocation scheme originally gave more priority to those who fall within Band 1, a gap was noticed between those with the highest health and welfare needs and those with minor needs in Bands 3 and 4.
The proposed new criterion within the existing intermediate Band 2 will aim to bridge this gap and is one of two changes that the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee will discuss at their next meeting on Thursday.
is needed now More than ever
One of the proposed changes would prioritise housing for those who have been evacuated for a long period of time due to a mass emergency event like the Barton House evacuation in November 2023 – photo: Martin Booth
“The majority of residents have shown clear support for the proposals put forward, and we have taken time to consider all comments that we have received,” said chair of the homes and housing delivery committee, Barry Parsons.
During a consultation that ran from May to July, 83.3 per cent of people in Bristol either agreed or strongly agreed with this proposal, which was one of two changes proposed by Bristol City Council to the current HomeChoice allocation policy.
Under this proposal, applicants who have not qualified for Band 1 of the social allocation policy but still meet certain essential criteria, will be placed under the Band 2 list, boosting their chances to be allocated housing.
The other proposal, supported by 70.79 per cent of respondents, recommends a band uplift for those who have had to leave their houses for a prolonged period due to a mass emergency event, such as during the sudden evacuation of Barton House in November 2023. While those affected by the Barton House incident would qualify, the council have emphasised that this proposal, if implemented, would extend to all tenants living in social housing in the city.
Parsons added: “This is a really good example of the council working alongside residents and their representatives to craft a policy change designed to improve life for everyone.
“We need to make sure the housing letting process is fair, easy to use and transparent for all who use it, while supporting the needs of local people.
“This continues to be a real challenge as we cannot currently meet the needs of everyone on the register and must make the best use of our limited housing.
“So, while we are pleased with the response to our proposals, we know that Bristol desperately needs more and better social rent homes. That’s why we are working hard to get new homes built and improve standards in the ones we already have.”
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
