Council consults on social housing policy changes

A consultation on proposed changes to how social housing is allocated in Bromsgrove District is under way, ahead of the introduction of a new system next year.

‘Bromsgrove Home Choice’ is set to replace ‘Home Choice Plus’ in 2026 as the district’s local housing register, and the way social and affordable rented homes from housing providers across the area are advertised. Applicants on the local housing register can use it to express interest in available properties.

That system is all underpinned by a local social housing allocation policy. Setting that policy – which must comply with national housing legislation – is one of Bromsgrove District Council’s statutory responsibilities, and the council is now consulting on proposed revisions to it.

Cllr Kit Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Planning, WRS, and Strategic Housing, said: “This essential update will ensure our housing register continues to prioritise applicants fairly and effectively. With demand for social homes far exceeding supply it’s vital to ensure our allocations policy isn’t just legally compliant, but that it’s as fair as it can be to those with a local connection.”

The change to Home Choice Plus will mean all existing applicants will need to reapply under the new criteria in the future.

To qualify, applicants must first be eligible for social housing and then meet legal definitions of ‘reasonable preference’ for housing, or a lower housing need as defined locally. Applicants’ priority is then determined by financial and personal circumstances.

Proposed changes to local policy, now under consultation, include:

• Having six numbered priority bands, to make priority levels clearer.
• To reserve the highest priority Band 1 for homeless applicants who are owed a duty to a home, who are in the highest need, only - and then within that band, to prioritise those strictly in order of actual application date.
• To place people who are ready to move on from council-referred supported accommodation into Band 2, to help them move on.
• To place qualifying applicants who have a reasonable preference but no local connection into Band 4, a lower priority band.
• To raise the income thresholds over which applicants are placed into Band 4 to £47,000 for couples and £60,000 for families.
• To remove low-level disrepair (non-category 1 hazards) as grounds for reasonable preference.
• To reject applications from non-qualifying homeowners, except in exceptional circumstances.

As these changes will affect outcomes for some applicants, the council is encouraging people to respond to the consultation with their views on the changes.

The survey to do that is being promoted through the Home Choice Plus website directly, or go to www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/consultations to participate. Paper copies are available from the council’s Parkside offices on Market Street, Bromsgrove B61 8DA.

The closing date is 5pm on Wednesday 14 January, 2026.