EHDC are currently reviewing the way Social Housing is allocated. At the moment social housing is awarded with lifetime agreements, so when someone qualifies for, and receives social housing, they are able to stay in that property for life. If their needs change, and their family gets bigger, they can be moved into a larger home, but the same does not automatically apply in reverse. This means that some larger homes remain tied up, and this prevents more needy families from getting the space they need.
The main change which is being proposed is to change the lifetime tenancy to a fixed term tenancy which is valid for 5 years. This is then automatically extended if the tenant is still in need of the same accommodation. The tenancy may not be renewed if the property is under occupied, if the households financial circumstances significantly improve where they no longer justify support, if the property has been adapted to suit particular disability needs which are no longer required, or if the tenants behaviour does not warrant renewal.
The objective is to make sure that Social Housing is allocated justly to those who require it, and to significantly shorten the waiting lists. This currently under consultation which ends on the 30th November, and will only apply to tenancy agreements taken out from 2013.
Click here to read more and see the draft policy: http://www.easthants.gov.uk/ehdc/housingweb.nsf/webpages/Tenancy+Strategy+consultation
