Council reviews proposed regulations to address housing shortage

West Northamptonshire Council is exploring changes to its housing allocation system to reduce delays and prioritize support for the most vulnerable residents. The council currently operates a banding system to rank housing needs, but demand has recently exceeded the available supply of properties.

The Reform UK-led council noted that long waiting periods are exacerbated by some residents relying solely on council housing rather than exploring alternative options.

Jane Carr, the director of communities and opportunities, explained that the new measures aim to shift the focus from "housing want" to genuine "housing need." One proposal involves reducing the number of applicants in the highest-priority Band A, currently around 1,100 of the 2,230 active applications. Another suggestion is to place applicants who are deemed to have deliberately worsened their housing situation into Band D.

A council report highlighted the issue: "Many applicants on the housing register expect to be rehoused into social or affordable housing. This leads to frustration due to long waiting times, decreased motivation to seek alternatives, and more complaints."

The council recommends that applicants consider private rentals or affordable homeownership options where suitable, emphasizing that social housing is not the only solution.

The number of new housing register applicants has risen by 36% since April 2024, averaging 578 per month. Ms. Carr stated, "We do not have enough housing to accommodate everyone who applies, so it is essential to prioritize the most vulnerable."

The council plans to hold a six-week consultation on the proposed changes starting in mid-December.

Author: Lucas Grant