Choice based lettings procedure

Introduction to the Housing Allocations Scheme

 

 

Woking Borough Council maintains a register of applicants in housing need including Council tenants who wish to transfer to a more suitable home.

 

 

Through the Housing Register assessment process, applicants housing needs are assessed and a level of priority awarded using a banding system. The level of priority, and time on the Housing Register, informs who is rehoused.

 

 

Rather than the Council selecting households from the Housing Register and matching them to a vacancy, Choice Based Lettings allows applicants to bid for suitable properties they are interested in on an internet based system called Hometrak. Available homes are advertised on Hometrak and via a fortnightly property sheet. This allows applicants to see what homes are available, giving them the opportunity to express choice and preference in the process of selecting a suitable home.

 

 

This Allocations Scheme applies to Woking Council housing that is let on a secure tenancy and affordable housing for rent owned by housing associations and let under an Assured Tenancy to which the Council is offered a nomination right.

 

 

A secure tenancy will be offered by the Council on completion of a satisfactory probationary period under an Introductory Tenancy. Introductory tenants will automatically become a secure tenant after 12 months, provided there is no breach of tenancy conditions.

 

The Housing Register and this Allocations Policy operate under the provisions of the Housing Act 1996 - Part VI (amended by the Homelessness Act 2002) and the associated Code of Guidance.

 

The Allocations Scheme is designed to make best use of the housing stock in the borough.

 

 

Applicant's housing circumstances will be taken into account. Medical conditions, where they are affected by the current housing, will be considered for 'due preference'.

 

 

The full document 'Housing Allocations Policy 2011' can be downloaded. Near the top right of this webpage, click on: More in Choice Based Lettings Procedure: Housing Allocations Policy. This explains the housing allocations procedure in detail.

 

 

A copy of the policy can also be provided; please email housingneeds@woking.gov.uk