Local homes for local people a step closer

The current allocation of social housing is based on wide criteria of which the ‘local’ element is just one part. If successful, Mid Wales Housing will be able to prioritise local people.The plans have received ‘tacit’ report from the Welsh Government, according to Shane Perkins, Chief Executive of the Association.

 

The issue was first raised in December when the Association launched a consultation exercise aimed at stimulating debate on how affordable housing should be allocated.

 

The Association has properties spread across Powys and Ceredigion. Sixty-three per cent of replies supported the Association’s proposals to give preference to local people and/or applicants that would provide a positive impact on the local community, such as those with a history of employment or of volunteer work.

 

Mr Perkins, said: “We have become increasingly concerned that traditional approaches often fail to consider the wider needs of the communities where we have housing, and it is quite clear that the people of Mid Wales largely agree with us.”

He stated that there was clearly a lot of work to be done before a working scheme could be started “We are grateful to everyone who replied, particularly those that helped us to identify some problems we need to overcome. We look forward to working with colleagues especially those in both Powys and Ceredigion county councils to develop an allocations scheme that is better for the region.”

The Association’s consultation results come at the same time that Welsh Government is consulting over new regulations for local authorities on how to allocate council housing. The government is also suggesting that housing authorities allocation schemes should aim to achieve a balance between the needs and preferences of applicants, the well-being of existing tenants, the community as a whole and the need to make best use of a publicly funded resource to meet housing need.

Following the Welsh Government’s proposals, Mr Perkins said: “I am very pleased that the Assembly have recognised some of the same issues as us, but it will obviously be a matter for individual social landlords to decide the most appropriate way of allocating housing for their organisations”

 

Caption: