Council Housing Applications

Each local authority in England is required by the Housing Act 1996 to have an allocation scheme setting out how it prioritises and allocates social housing. Most councils use either a points-based or banding system (or a combination). Applicants with greater housing need are awarded more points or placed in higher bands, and properties are offered to those with the greatest need first.

Priority is typically higher for:

• People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Those fleeing domestic abuse or violence
• People living in severely overcrowded housing
• People with significant medical or welfare needs that are affected by current housing
• Existing social housing tenants who need to move (transfer applicants)

Most councils use a choice-based lettings (CBL) system, where available properties are advertised and applicants bid for homes they are interested in. You will only be offered a property if you are the highest-priority applicant who has bid.

To join the housing register, you must generally:

• Be aged 16 or over (18 for most councils)
• Have a local connection to the area — typically through residence, employment, or close family ties
• Not be subject to immigration control that prevents access to public funds
• Pass any financial eligibility test the council applies (some councils exclude applicants with assets above a certain threshold)

Councils can also exclude applicants who have previously been evicted for anti-social behaviour or who have significant rent arrears, though they must assess each case individually. If you are refused, you have the right to ask the council to review its decision within 21 days.

If you are homeless and the council has a duty to house you, they must place you on the register regardless of local connection rules, though they may discharge the duty by offering private rented accommodation.

Once on the housing register, it is important to actively manage your application to ensure your priority reflects your current situation. Steps that can increase your priority include:

• Providing medical evidence if your current housing is affecting your health — ask your GP or consultant to write a supporting letter.
• Reporting overcrowding — provide documentation of household members and the number and size of bedrooms in your current home.
• Updating the council immediately if your circumstances change — for example, if your relationship breaks down and you need to be rehoused, or if you become at risk of homelessness.
• Bidding actively on available properties that match your needs — failing to bid can delay your wait significantly.

Keep a record of all communications with the council and request written confirmation of any changes to your priority band or points.