Change to district housing register confirmed

A new housing register and updated allocation system will change how people apply for and bid on affordable housing in Bromsgrove District this summer.

Bidding for affordable homes will move to a brand-new register and system called Bromsgrove Home Choice, replacing the current Home Choice Plus.

The change will make the process clearer, fairer, and reflecting current housing legislation.

It follows updates to Bromsgrove District Council’s formal Allocations Policy after public consultation last December and this January.

The updated policy, which is a statutory duty for the council, introduces six clear priority bands. The highest band is reserved for those in greatest need, while there is lower priority for applicants without a local connection, more support for people moving on from supported accommodation, and income thresholds have been updated, amongst other changes.

As it’s a new register with new criteria, old applications cannot carry over, and so all applicants on the current housing register will need to reapply.

The council is now writing to all existing applicants with instructions on how to reapply.

Councillor Sue Baxter, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, said: “This change to the housing register is something that we have to do. It enables us to make the changes in our new allocation policy that bring us up to date with national legislation. That includes prioritising those with a local connection to the district and where exceptional circumstances exist, such as fleeing domestic abuse, leaving care, or being a member or former member of the armed forces.

“If you are on the current register look out for your email or letter telling you how you can re-apply on the new system starting from August 17. If you register before October 1 and your circumstances are the same, you’ll keep your existing effective date, so you won’t lose any waiting time.

“Please reapply early so you will be ready to bid on homes when the new system goes live, and if you need help, contact our partners at bdht so that you can receive support.”

A transition period to the new register will begin on August 17.

From that date, only existing applicants on Home Choice Plus will be able to continue bidding on that system, and the last advertisement of properties will be on September 15, with bidding ending on September 21.

Also from August 17, all new and re applications will have to be made on the new system, where homes will start being advertised for bidding on October 6.

People who are homeless or at risk of it will be supported directly by bdht throughout the transition.

For full information and guidance see www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/housing-register and for support from bdht, call 0800 085 0160.