Southwark (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Southwark Council proposes major overhaul of the housing allocation system, aiming to prioritize those in need and tackle homelessness in London.
Following an exclusive news story in June that exposed the dearth of properties available for bidding on Southwark Homesearch, the council faced legal action this summer for its practice of assigning homes directly rather than placing them on the bidding system.
In addition to the bidding process, the council asserted at the time that its “new annual lettings policy” (ALP) permitted it to immediately offer a property to an individual or family.
However, the policy prevented individuals in the greatest need on the waiting list from placing any bids, and there was limited information available regarding the selection process for these direct offers.
The latest suggestions, which are up for consultation until June, include giving applicants fleeing domestic abuse and young adults leaving Southwark Council’s care more precedence.
According to the suggestions, Bands A–E would replace the current Bands 1-4. With a few suggested adjustments, they would also maintain the local rental policies.
The borough’s need for council houses has grown since the council’s current Housing Allocations Scheme was implemented in 2014, and more people are finding it difficult to afford to purchase their own homes.
The average wait period for a three-bedroom council home in Southwark is five years, and there are presently 18,671 persons on the waiting list.
Cllr Sarah King, Southwark Council’s Cabinet Member for Council Homes, said:
“Council homes change lives. In Southwark, the demand for council homes is huge, as it is across London. That’s why it’s so important they go to the people in the very greatest need.
We’ve updated our proposed allocations scheme to give priority to those most in need including for example young adults leaving the care of Southwark Council, and for people who are escaping domestic violence.
Our proposed scheme is now open for consultation and we welcome your views. All feedback will be carefully considered.”
People can visit the Southwark Council website for comprehensive information about the suggested modifications.
Until June 1st, the plans are available for consultation.
How will the Southwark council ensure transparency in the new housing allocation policy?
To get their opinions on the suggested modifications, the council is actively interacting with current tenants and people listed on its housing register.
In order to create a policy that represents the community’s needs and objectives, this input will be crucial.
Clear communication about the standards and procedures used in housing distribution is the goal of Southwark Council. This involves making certain that locals are aware of the decision-making process and the variables affecting the distribution of dwellings.
The council is dedicated to examining and revising its allocations plan to conform to national standards and best practices, and it has admitted past inadequacies in transparency, with regard to its direct allocation policy.
In order to keep an eye on the allocation process and make sure it is just and equal, Southwark Council intends to use data efficiently.