Agenda Reports Pack (Public) 15/10/2012, 19.00 - Meetings ...

Building a Housing Ladder of Opportunity – Housing Allocation Schemeof need of each applicant. This means, for example, that where two applicants inthe same band are interested in the same property, preference may be givenwhere one of the applicants is facing a more immediate loss of their existinghome than the other.4.6 To avoid the loss of properties available to the Council, properties in the privaterented sector will normally be made available on a ‘first come, first served’ basisto applicants across bands 1-4. Where more than one applicant is beingconsidered for a private sector property, priority will be determined by band anddate in band.4.7 Applicants will be asked to choose a property or properties to view from aselection of those that are available and meet their needs, and will be asked toaccept one of these as their offer of re-housing. If no suitable properties areavailable, the applicant’s case will remain open until a property becomesavailable and their Housing Options Officer will be proactive in working with themto secure a suitable offer of accommodation.Exceptions to Assisted Choice4.8 Available properties which are adapted or which are suitable for adaptation andExtra Care and Sheltered Housing or accommodation which is otherwisepotentially suitable for applicants with a substantial disability or other special orsupport needs may be allocated outside strict banding and date order priority.Specifically on Sheltered Housing, the Council intends to maximise its use,ensuring that increased use of such housing is made for applicants from theneed groups identified above. This is likely to require joint assessments of needby the Council's Adult Social Care and Housing Options teams. Wherenominations are being considered for applicants, the Council will first review whatlevel of support applicants will need to live independently, before granting thetenancy.4.9 An allocation may also be made outside banding priority in the case of a Counciltenant who is willing to transfer from a property which he/she does not require,i.e., under-occupiers, and which is particularly suitable for an applicant withspecial or support needs.4.10 Applicants who have a special need for adapted property or other particular typeof accommodation which is in very short supply may be invited to considersuitable property which becomes available outside of the areas preferred by theapplicants concerned.4.11 The Council reserves the right to restrict the operation of the property pool tocertain groups of applicants or to make direct offers of accommodation tohouseholds waiting for re-housing in order to fulfil its housing management and22Page 405