Have your say on how we allocate housing

The way the council allocates properties to those on the housing register is set to change and we want to hear what you think.

A new banding system based on government guidance will replace the current points system later this year with the introduction of choice based lettings.

At the moment, when properties become available they are allocated to the applicant with the most points but this is not necessarily the applicant in most need for housing.  Under the new system, households will be put into bands from A to E depending on their housing need with A being the highest priority.  The choice based lettings scheme means that when properties become available, they will be advertised in a variety of ways, such as on the council's website and in council offices, and applicants can register their interest in properties they like the look of by making a 'bid'.  Properties are then allocated to the applicant most in need and most appropriate for it.  Applicants who are unable to view the adverts on the internet or at council offices can be sent the details.

Maggie Benson, Interim Housing Register Manager, said: "The new way of allocating housing will be simpler and more transparent.

"In addition, the introduction of choice based lettings will give applicants a say in where they live by letting them select properties they are interested in instead of the council allocating properties to the next person on the list."

Applicants will also have the opportunity to move to neighbouring areas as Hertsmere is working with Watford, St Albans, Three Rivers and Welwyn Hatfield councils on the choice based lettings scheme called Herts Choice Homes.  A small number of properties will be available for applicants on any of the councils' waiting lists. 

• Read the draft allocation policy and assessment criteria

Comments should be submitted by Friday 3 October by email to housing@hertsmere.gov.uk or by post to:

Allocation policy
Housing
Hertsmere Borough Council
Civic Offices
Elstree Way
Borehamwood
Herts
WD6 1WA

Pending the consultation, all applications for housing will be assessed using the new banding system from the end of November.