Housing Allocation Scheme - democracy.islington.gov.uk

www.islington.gov.uk

Housing Allocation SchemeThis document sets out Islington Council's Allocation Scheme forallocating council homes and nominations to housing associations.

CONTENTS

HOUSING ALLOCATION SCHEME

INTRO CHAPTERONE

CHAPTERTWO

CHAPTERTHREE

CHAPTERFOUR

CHAPTERFIVE

22

HOUSING ALLOCATION SCHEME 33

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTERSEVEN

CHAPTEREIGHT

CHAPTERNINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTERELEVEN

Contents

Introduction

Chapter one: Shared Ownership

Chapter Two: Key Worker Schemes

Chapter Three: The Private Sector

Chapter Four: Moving out of Islington

Chapter Five: Mutual Exchange

Chapter Six: Sheltered Housing

Chapter Seven: Supported Housing

Chapter Eight: Homeshelter

Chapter Nine: The Housing Register

Chapter Ten: Internal Reviews

Chapter Eleven: Complaints

5

8

10

11

12

13

15

16

17

18

33

34

INTRO


CONTENTS CHAPTERONE

CHAPTERTWO

CHAPTERTHREE

CHAPTERFOUR

CHAPTERFIVE

44


CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTERSEVEN

CHAPTEREIGHT

CHAPTERNINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTERELEVEN

Introduction

This document sets out Islington Council's Allocation Schemefor determining priorities for allocating council homes andnominations to housing associations. In revising the AllocationScheme, the council also has taken into account the Code ofGuidance on the Allocations of Accommodation issued by theGovernment in November 2002 and the choice based lettingsCode of Guidance issued in 2007.

The scheme is guided by the following principles:

it must comply with statutory rules set out under legislation and accompanyingregulations and take into account the Code of Guidance issued by central governmentfrom time to time

the cost of temporary accommodation is reduced by ensuring homelessness is preventedand homeless people and people who are threatened with homelessness are rehoused assoon as practicably possible

applicants considered to be extremely high priority should be assessed accordingly so thatthe priority is reflected in their position on the register

the scheme must complement the council's other responsibilities, for example meetingsocial care needs

it must be simple and fair, so that it is easy for local people to understand, allows vacantproperties to be filled quickly, and ensures equal opportunities for all sections of thecommunity

it should anticipate the majority of housing problems so that the need for individualdiscretionary decisions is minimised

procedures for reviewing decisions on priority or the suitability of offers need to be openand accountable

the most serious insanitary or overcrowded housing in the borough must be addressed.

INTRO


CONTENTS CHAPTERONE

CHAPTERTWO

CHAPTERTHREE

CHAPTERFOUR

CHAPTERFIVE

66

The legal framework - giving'reasonable preference'Part VI of the Housing Act 1996 (asamended) sets out that a local authoritymust design their allocation schemes in sucha way as to give 'reasonable preference' tocertain categories of people. These areprescribed by the Act and are as follows:

(a) People who are homeless (within the meaning of Part VII of the 1996 Act)

(b)People owed a duty by any housingauthority under section 190(2), 193(2)or 195(2) of the Housing Act 1996 orunder s65 (2) or s68 (2) of The HousingAct 1985 or who are occupyingaccommodations secured by any housingauthority under section 192(3) of the1996 Act.

(c)People occupying insanitary orovercrowded housing or otherwise livingin unsatisfactory housing conditions.

(d)People who need to move on medical orwelfare grounds (including groundsrelating to a disability).

(e)People who need to move to a particularlocality in the district of the housingauthority where failure to meet that needwould cause hardship (to themselves orto others).

EqualitiesThe council serves a diverse community, andis committed to meeting the needs of thatcommunity in the provision of housingallocation, by working in partnership withother housing providers.

The council will ensure that customers aretreated fairly and equally and that whenallocating housing, ensure that the allocationpolicy does not discriminate against anyparticular group.

The implementation of a clear and consistentallocation scheme goes hand in hand withcareful equalities monitoring. The datacollected is used to ensure that the schemeis being operated in a fair and non-discriminatory manner, as well as for thepurposes of regular equality impactassessments and subsequent improvementsto service delivery. All applicants applying tothe Housing Register are asked to providedetails of their ethnic origin, age and gender,disability, religion/faith and sexual orientationto enable monitoring to take place. There isno compulsory requirement to provide therelevant information and failure to do sodoes not affect an applicant's chances ofrehousing. However applicants are stronglyencouraged to comply and informed of theimportant purpose this information serves.

The council recognises that it is importantthat everyone who applies for rehousingunderstands the allocation scheme. Thecouncil will produce information leaflets,along with translations, large print and Brailleversions for applicants on request.


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CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTERELEVEN

Discretionary powersThe allocation scheme cannot cover everyeventuality. In special cases with exceptionalneeds, the Service Director of Housing hasdiscretionary power to award additionalpriority and approve offers of housing, takinginto consideration all factors relevant tohousing and social needs.

Housing OptionsThere are a number of options for securinghousing.

CHAPTERONE

Shared Ownership HOUSING ALLOCATION SCHEME

WWhhaatt iiss iitt?? This scheme is intended to help people whocannot afford to buy a home outright.Through shared ownership an applicant canbuy a share in a house or flat from a housingassociation and pay rent on the part they donot own. An applicant can increase theirshare if they want, and can eventually ownthe property outright.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy??Anyone can apply, although priority forshared ownership schemes is generally givento existing council and housing associationtenants and Islington residents on Islington'shousing register. An applicant will only qualifyfor shared ownership if they can afford tobuy part of a property.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk??Islington Council does not operate theseschemes directly, but works with severalhousing associations to provide sharedownership properties for people in Islington.Most schemes are based on propertiesspecifically built or renovated for sharedownership by housing associations.

CONTENTS INTRO CHAPTERTWO

CHAPTERTHREE

CHAPTERFOUR

CHAPTERFIVE

Financial example for sharedownershipTTaabbllee AA shows how shared ownership wouldwork on a 25%, 50% and 75% share of a£200,000 property.

Exact figures will vary depending on theschemes, on the cost of the property andwill change over time. The example (Table A)is only a guide. The percentage shares arealso only examples and other shares of aparticular property may be available.

Applicants should also budget £2,000 to£3,000 extra for associated costs.

The mortgage calculation is based on a 5%rate over 25 years.

ChapterOne

88

Monthly charges (excluding standard mortgage repayments)

Share you own Price of your share Monthly RentalPayments

MonthlyMortgagePayments

Monthly ServiceCharge

25% £50,000 £156.25 £295.63 £80-100

50% £100,000 £229.10 £591.27 £80-100

75% £150,000 £343.75 £886.90 £80-100

TTaabbllee AA

Further informationWW www.bbc.co.uk/homes/property/mortgagecalculator

WW www.housingoptions.co.uk WW www.mho.co.uk

New build homebuy


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Social Homebuy

WWhhaatt iiss iitt??Social Homebuy is a low cost homeownership scheme that allows local authorityand housing association tenants to either buya share of or purchase outright their existinghome. The minimum initial share is 25%rising to a maximum of 100%. The council orhousing association will charge a rent of 3%based on the remaining share not bought.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy??To qualify, an applicant must be a council orhousing association tenant for at least twoyears starting before 18 January 2005. If anapplicant became a tenant after 18 January2005 the qualifying period is five years.There must have been no breach of tenancyconditions for two years and no possessionorder. Applicants will need approximately£3,000-£3,500 to assist with the initial costsuch as valuation fees and legal costs.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk??The discount is currently set at a maximumof £16,000 when purchasing 100% and prorata if buying a share (for example, a tenantbuying a 50% share of their home willtherefore receive a 50% of the discount,£8,000.00).

Applicants will receive financial support fromthe council to assist with legal costs. Forexample if you own 25% you receive£1,000. The percentage bought depends onthe financial support you receive.

Further informationHHoommee OOwwnneerrsshhiipp SSeerrvviicceess50 Isledon RoadLondon, N7 7LPTT 020 7527 7724EEWW www.homesforislington.org.uk

[email protected]

CHAPTERTHREE

CHAPTERTWO


Key Worker schemes

WWhhaatt iiss iitt?? Islington Council operates a Key WorkerScheme that aims to encourage employeesto have a long term career within theborough.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy?? Applications may be considered fromchildren’s social workers, occupationaltherapists, teachers, and nurses working inIslington.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk?? All applications for Islington’s Key WorkerScheme must be made in writing to theappropriate human resource department.Accommodation offered through this schemeis linked to the applicant's continuousemployment with Islington Council. Tenancieswill be non-secure and will be terminated ifthe employment should cease.

WWhhaatt iiss iitt??Various schemes are available to help peoplein certain public sector jobs to buy their firsthome through shared ownership. KeyWorkers can also rent housing associationproperties at affordable rent via theIntermediate Rent Scheme.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy??Applicants must be employed in the publicsector, in a front line role delivering anessential public service, or in a sector wherethere are recruitment or retention problems.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk??Each area has a Homebuy Agent which willgive you details of the various schemesavailable. A Homebuy Agent is a registeredhousing association that markets housingschemes for key workers across an area.They will deal with applications and assesseligibility for key worker housing. The Homebuy Agent that represents the LondonBorough of Islington (plus other parts ofLondon) is Metropolitan Home Ownership.

CONTENTS INTRO CHAPTERONE

CHAPTERFOUR

CHAPTERFIVE

1100

ChapterTwo

Further informationRReehhoouussiinngg TTeeaammHousing Aid Centre, 38 Devonia RoadLondon, N1 8UYTT 020 7527 4140FF 020 7527 4136MM 0800 073 0536EE [email protected] www.islington.gov.uk/housing

Islington Scheme Metropolitan HomeOwnership

Further informationFor more information on home ownershipin Islington:

MMeettrrooppoolliittaann HHoommee OOwwnneerrsshhiippThe Grange, 100 High Street, Southgate London, N14 6PWTT 020 8920 7777WW www.mho.co.uk

For general information on HomeOwnership go to:WW www.housingoptions.co.uk

Renting in the private sector

Private sectoropportunities for homeless people


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The Private Sector

WWhhaatt iiss iitt??Renting in the private sector means that anapplicant's rent is paid directly to a privatelandlord rather than the council or a housingassociation.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy??Anyone can rent from a private landlord. If anapplicant is on a low income they may beable to claim housing benefit to cover all orpart of the rent.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk??It is possible to find houses and flats to rentfrom landlords by viewing the localnewspapers where they have sectionsrelating to private rented accommodation.

Islington Council will provide you with adviceand support even after you move in.

WWhhaatt iiss iitt?? The Private Sector Opportunities Scheme isan incentive to assist landlords to offerhousing to homeless people. The scheme alsooffers advice and support for applicantslooking for housing in the private sector.Eligible applicants may not have to pay aninitial deposit to the landlord.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy??Applicants who are homeless or threatenedwith homelessness can apply.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk?? A housing officer will assess whetherapplicants qualify for this scheme and advisewhere places are available.

ChapterThree

Further informationHHoouussiinngg AAiidd CCeennttrree38 Devonia Road, London, N1 8UYTT 020 7527 2000FF 0207 527 6307MM 0800 073 0536EE [email protected] www.islington.gov.uk/housing

Further informationIf you have already been accepted ashomeless, contact your housing caseworker.

HHoouussiinngg AAiidd CCeennttrree38 Devonia Road, London, N1 8UYTT 020 7527 2000FF 020 7527 6307MM 0800 073 0536EE [email protected] www.islington.gov.uk/housing

WWhhaatt iiss iitt?? Grants are available from Islington Council toenable the repair and adaptation of owneroccupied and private rented properties.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy?? You must be an owner occupier, a landlord, aprivate tenant or housing association tenantliving in Islington.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk?? You will need to contact RReessiiddeennttiiaall GGrraannttSSuuppppoorrtt SSeerrvviiccee on 002200 77552277 33110044 toensure your property qualifies for a grant.

Further informationTT 020 7527 3104EE [email protected] www.islington.gov.uk/housing

Private sector housing grants

CHAPTERFOUR

CHAPTERFIVE

Moving Out of IslingtonMoving to otherareas

Seaside and CountryHomes Scheme


WWhhaatt iiss iitt??Islington Council participates in a range ofschemes to promote mobility across localauthority areas.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy?? Anyone on the housing register may apply.Opportunities for rehousing in other areasare very limited, particularly in London andthe southeast of the country.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk?? Make an application to Islington Council ormake an application direct to any localauthorities housing waiting list. Mutualexchange also provides an opportunity tomove (see Chapter Five).

WWhhaatt iiss iitt??This is a housing mobility scheme that offerscouncil or housing association tenants theoption of moving out of London.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy?? Social housing tenants approaching the ageof 60 years who are able to liveindependently.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk?? The scheme's landlords manageapproximately 3,500 bungalows and flatsalong the coast from Cornwall in the southwest, to Norfolk and Lincolnshire in the eastand across the countryside from Dorset toCambridgeshire. The scheme does notguarantee a move and priority is given totenants who are giving up larger sizedproperties.


CHAPTERTWO

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ChapterFour



Mutual exchanges Homeswapper.co.uk


CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTERSEVEN

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CHAPTERNINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTERELEVEN

Mutual Exchange

WWhhaatt iiss iitt??Applicants who are secure tenants of acouncil have the right to exchange theirhome with another secure tenant, or with anassured tenant of a housing association.Exchanges can involve more than twohouseholds. Tenants do not need to beregistered on the transfer list or have anypoints to participate in this scheme.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy?? Tenants must get written permission fromtheir landlord before they exchange and theother tenant must also get writtenpermission from their landlord. Both tenantsmust sign a "deed of assignment" before theyexchange properties.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk??Most council and housing association tenantsadvertise their properties throughHomeswapper (www.homeswapper.co.uk).When a tenant has found another tenant toexchange with they should complete themutual exchange form which can bedownloaded from the council's website:www.islington.co.uk/housing

WWhhaatt iiss iitt??Homeswapper is a mutual exchange scheme.Islington Council tenants can register forfree. Some housing association tenants mayhave to pay a small fee to register if theirlandlord is not part of the scheme.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy?? Applicants must be a council or housingassociation tenant; they do not have to beon the council's housing register. Applicantsare allowed to swap into a home that iseither one bedroom too large or onebedroom too small for their family's needwith the permission of your landlord.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk??This is a web-based scheme only and tenantscan register on the web-site at www.homeswapper.co.uk.

Applicants can also view the Homeswapperlist at their area housing offices. Occasionally,Islington Council participates in reciprocalarrangements with other local authorities viathe choice based lettings Homeswapperscheme.

Homeswapper will carry out searches forpossible swaps on a daily basis. When anapplicant has found the person they want toexchange with, they must complete themutual exchange form and return it to theirlandlord. They must contact the person whois living in the property they want to moveinto to make viewing arrangements.

ChapterFive


Further informationRReehhoouussiinngg TTeeaammHousing Aid Centre, 38 Devonia RoadLondon, N1 8UYTT 020 7527 4140 FF 020 7527 4136MM 0800 073 0536EE [email protected] www.islington.gov.uk/housing

CHAPTERFIVE


Smart Move Chain Lettings

WWhhaatt iiss iitt??Smart Move helps to match people living inproperties with more bedrooms than theyneed (underoccupying tenants) with peopleliving in overcrowded homes, to arrange amutual exchange.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy??This scheme is available to Islington Counciltenants only. It is a free service.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk?? The council will advertise the mutualexchange property details of tenants whowish to move to smaller homes on theHome Connections advert each week. Theadvert is available to view online atwww.islington.gov.uk/homeconections

WWhhaatt iiss iitt??Chain Lettings is a scheme where you canmutually exchange your home if you are acouncil or housing association tenant living inIslington.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy?? Islington Council and housing associationunder occupying tenants will be eligible toapply for this scheme. This will be ofparticular interest to groups of two or threeexchange partners wishing to considerexchanging homes and requiring a vacancy tocomplete the chain for the exchange to goahead.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk??The council will complete the chain where anunder occupier exchanges with anovercrowded Islington social housing tenant.We will offer a more suitable vacant propertyto the under occupying tenant whererequired. The under occupying tenant will beeligible for the under occupation grant.However, we will not allow under occupationof the new property.


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Further informationIf you are interested in a propertyadvertised and it matches yourrequirements you can express yourinterest and we will put all the parties in contact with each other.

RReehhoouussiinngg TTeeaammHousing Aid Centre, 38 Devonia RoadLondon, N1 8UYTT 020 7527 4140FF 020 7527 4136MM 0800 073 0536EE [email protected] www.islington.gov.uk/housing


CHAPTER SIX


CHAPTERSEVEN

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CHAPTERNINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTERELEVEN

Sheltered Housing

WWhhaatt iiss iitt??Sheltered Housing is designed to provide asupportive environment to vulnerable orolder people. The scheme is made up ofindividual self-contained properties most ofwhich also have communal facilities. There isa 24 hour emergency on call system.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy?? Applicants must be aged 55 years or overand have some support needs.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk?? Sheltered schemes are owned and managedby housing associations. Most schemes inIslington are managed by Circle Anglia.

Applicants interested in sheltered housingmust apply to the Rehousing Team. They willthen receive a visit from an assessmentofficer who will decide if sheltered housing issuitable for their housing needs.

ChapterSix



Supported Housing

WWhhaatt iiss iitt??Supported Housing is accommodation that isprovided to help develop and sustain anperson’s capacity to live independently. Theaccommodation consists of flats or sharedhouses where people with support needs canlive independently in the community.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy??Supported accommodation is usuallyprovided for groups of people who arevulnerable, such as people with:

mental health needs

substance misuse problems

young people

people with learning difficulties

people with a history of offending.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk??Applicants are supported by staff who maybe based on site or provide visiting supportto the residents. Applicants can reside insupported housing for varying lengths oftime, usually up to two years depending onthe individual's needs and the type of servicethey require.


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1166

Further informationRReeffeerrrraallss CCoo-oorrddiinnaattoorr TTeeaammHousing Aid Centre, 38 Devonia RoadLondon, N1 8UYTT 020 7527 4169FF 020 7527 4188EE [email protected] www.islington.gov.uk/housing

CHAPTERSEVEN

CHAPTEREIGHT


CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTERNINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTERELEVEN

HomeshelterSanctuary scheme for victims ofdomestic violence

WWhhaatt iiss iitt??If an applicant is experiencing or hasexperienced domestic violence and is still atrisk, the scheme enables them to remain intheir home by installing security in theirproperty to prevent the perpetrator fromgaining access.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy??Any person who is homeless or threatenedwith homelessness due to domestic violencewill be eligible.

HHooww ddooeess iitt wwoorrkk?? An applicant's safety needs will be assessedand the council will then install additionalsecurity measures such as solid doors, extralocks and grills. The council can also refer anapplicant to other organisations to help youwith legal advice.

IIff yyoouu nneeeedd ttoo ttaallkk ttoo ssoommeeoonnee aabboouuttddoommeessttiicc vviioolleennccee,, ccoonnttaacctt IIsslliinnggttoonnWWoommeenn''ss AAiidd oonn 002200 88226699 22112211..

IInn aann eemmeerrggeennccyy aallwwaayyss ddiiaall 999999.

ChapterEight

Further informationIf you are a housing association tenantcontact your landlord.

If you are a Homes for Islington tenantcontact your area housing office.

HHoouussiinngg AAiidd CCeennttrree38 Devonia Road, London, N1 8UYTT 020 7527 2000FF 020 7527 6307MM 0800 073 0536EE [email protected] www.islington.gov.uk/housing

WWoommeennss AAiiddTT 0208 2690 2121

WW www.housingoptions.co.uk


Housing RegisterApplying for social housing

WWhhaatt iiss iitt??The Housing Register is a list of applicantsregistered for council or housing associationproperties. It is governed by Part VI of theHousing Act 1996 as amended by theHomelessness Act 2002.

WWhhoo ccaann aappppllyy??Any one over the age of 16 can apply to jointhe Housing Register unless they areineligible because of their immigration statusor serious unacceptable behaviour.

PPeeooppllee ssuubbjjeecctt ttoo iimmmmiiggrraattiioonn ccoonnttrroollPeople from abroad who are subject toimmigration control under the Asylum andImmigration Act 1996 cannot join theHousing Register unless they are either:

already a secure tenant of the council

an assured tenant of housing allocated tothem by the council

fall in a class of persons set out onregulations made by the government

UUnnaacccceeppttaabbllee bbeehhaavviioouurrGenerally, applicants or members of theirhousehold who have been found guilty ofunacceptable behaviour serious enough tomake them unsuitable to be council tenantswill not be accepted onto the HousingRegister.

Unacceptable behaviour includes:

failing to pay rent

breaching a condition of the tenancyagreement

causing a nuisance to neighbours

being convicted of using their home forimmoral or illegal purposes

making a false statement to obtain atenancy

causing the condition of the property todeteriorate by a deliberate act

being convicted of an arrestable offence,in or in the vicinity of their home

domestic violence causing a partner orother family member to leave theproperty.

If a person is disqualified from joining thehousing register then by law the councilcannot allocate a tenancy to him or her evenjointly with someone else who is entitled tojoin the Housing Register.


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Any person may apply to the council to join the HousingRegister. However not everyone will be eligible for housing.

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1188

The Housing Register

Applicants who cannot join theHousing Register

CHAPTERNINE


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Forms are available from the Islington Councilwebsite wwwwww..iisslliinnggttoonn..ggoovv..uukk//hhoouussiinngg orfrom any of the area housing offices (Homesfor Islington).

Applicants approved for rehousing will needto provide satisfactory evidence of identity,and past and current residence forthemselves and all household members.

The council will request documentaryevidence from each applicant and will carryout enquiries as necessary.

CChhaannggee ooff aaddddrreessss aanndd oorr cciirrccuummssttaanncceessIt is the responsibility of all applicants tonotify the council in writing of any change intheir accommodation or householdcircumstances. It may be necessary toprovide documentary evidence to supportthe change in circumstances. Applicationsmaybe suspended whilst the council reassessthe information provided by the applicant.

The reassessment of the application mayresult in the increase or decrease of points.All applicants will be notified in writing of anychanges.

AAddddiinngg aadduullttss ttoo aann aapppplliiccaattiioonnAdults may not be added to an applicationwhere this would result in the need for largeraccommodation than originally agreed. Adultswishing to join an application mustdemonstrate a need to join the household.

How to apply


The council’s rehousing standards determinethe size of accommodation that may beoffered.

The housing size standards operated by thecouncil are:

people aged 16 years or older not livingas a couple should not have to share abedroom

people of opposite sex where one or bothis over the age of 10 should not have toshare a bedroom unless they are bothover 16 and living as a couple

no more than two people should have toshare a bedroom

a confirmed pregnancy over 24 weekssupported by details of the expected dateof delivery counts as a child.

In exceptional cases, an extra bedroom maybe agreed on medical or welfare groundswhere the nature of a condition suffered by ahousehold member makes it essential tohave a separate bedroom.

Applicants may bid for properties that are abedsize smaller than their housingrequirements. This decision is at thediscretion of the rehousing manager or thehousing options manager.

SSpplliittttiinngg llaarrggee hhoouusseehhoollddssWith the household's agreementconsideration may be made to offering twoseparate properties to a large household. Thecouncil will consider the types of propertiesrequired and ensure that there is an adult aspart of each tenancy.


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Rehousing standards

2200

SSiizzee ssttaannddaarrdd SSiizzee ooff pprrooppeerrttyy

Single person Bedsitter

Single person or couple with no children 1 Bedroom

Couple or single person with 1 child 2 Bedroom

Couple or single person with 2 children (see points rules below) 2/3 Bedroom

Couple or single person with 3 children 3 Bedroom

Couple or single person with 4 children 3/4 Bedroom

Couple or single person with 5 or more children 4+bedrooms

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Applicants are given points for housing needfactors and these points are added together.The needs of all individuals in the applicant'shousehold will be taken into account whenpoints are given. Points may be reviewed atany time and may be varied upwards ordownwards depending on changes incircumstances.

The points table is on the following page.

RReessiiddeennccee aanndd ootthheerr rreelleevvaanntt ccoonnnneeccttiioonnwwiitthh IIsslliinnggttoonn

Residence points will only be given toapplicants who are living in Islington, unlessthey are:

homeless applicants towards whom thecouncil has accepted a long termrehousing duty

accepted for rehousing in Islington underan agreement with other local authorities,for example through a mobility scheme or

a) applicants that are serving in the ArmedForces who are either employed orresident in the district will be able toestablish a local connection

b) When considering applications fromserving or former members of the ArmedForces who are not currently employed orresident in the district, the council willneed to consider whether they have alocal connection through previousresidence in the district as a result of aformer posting in the area while serving inthe Armed Forces

Admitted to hospital outside Islington butsatisfied the residence criteria at the timeof admission or

released from prison or other institutionand satisfied the residence criteria whenthey were admitted to prison or institutionor

following an itinerant lifestyle (confirmedby a care agency) or have assessed careneeds that can only be met in Islington

Applicants who have been placed inIslington by another local authority whichhas an interim or long-term duty to themas homeless applicants will not be giventhese points.

The points scheme

3

4

5

6

1

2

Explanation of points:



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Criteria PPooiinnttss WWhhoo iiss eelliiggiibbllee

TTRR HHAA HHLL WWLL

Applicants who have been resident in the boroughcontinuously for the last 12 months or have a relevantlocal connection with Islington (see explanatory notebelow)

100

Opposite sex overcrowding: where two people ofopposite sex have to share a bedroom and one is aged10 years or older (unless they are either 16 or older andliving as a couple.)

Where there is more than one occurrence, additionalpoints will be given per occurrence.

10

5

For each additional bed space required. 20

Single applicant with a child living in bedsittingaccommodation.

15

Additionally, applicants who are severely over-crowdedby two bedrooms or more.

30

Sharing or lacking access to facilities - applicants whoshare or lack more than one of the following, cookingfacilities hot water, cold water, toilet, or bathroom.

10

Medical Needs 20,50,100

Welfare Needs 20,50,100

Islington Key Workers schemeIslington Care LeaverChildren's Services New Generation Scheme 1 BedsNew Generation 2 BedsSeriously injured and disabled service men and women

9090 150-20030 9090

Homelessness and insecurity 10,70,100

Decants 100 or200

Major works 60 or 120

Management transfersInherited tenanciesRelationship breakdown

60 or 10015050

Under occupying social housing tenants, for eachbedroom under-occupying.

For applicants who are under-occupying by onebedroom 80 points will given plus an additional 60points.

80

60

All applicants will receive 5% of the total housing needspoints excluding residence and waiting time points foreach complete year waiting on the housing register.

For homeless applicants, this will be from the date foreach complete year from the date of application.

5%

KKeeyy

TR: Counciltenants

HA: HousingAssociationTenants

HL: Homelessapplicants

WL: All otherapplicants

Points are given to applicants on the Housing Register as follows:

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HHoommeelleessssnneessss aanndd iinnsseeccuurriittyy ooff tteennuurree110000 ppooiinnttss will be given to homelessapplicants (where the council has accepted ahousing duty) in properties where the leaseis about to expire and who cannot be foundcomparable alternative temporaryaccommodation. These points are to be givenonce it is clear that actual eviction is to takeplace and to remain until the applicant iseither housed or placed into further longterm temporary accommodation, whicheveris the earliest.

Homeless families (where the council hasaccepted a housing duty) in bed andbreakfast, or in shared annexes for more thansix consecutive weeks from the date ofplacement and who cannot be found suitableself-contained temporary accommodationwill receive 110000 ppooiinnttss. This does not includefamilies placed in council owned receptioncentres.

7700 ppooiinnttss will be given to the followinghomeless applicants (to whom the councilhas accepted a long term housing duty):

where the council will have a rehousingduty (e.g. school caretakers)

the household is a single person orchildless couple requiring studio or onebedroom accommodation and the councilhas accepted a housing duty

the council has accepted a housing dutyand is not providing temporaryaccommodation.

1100 ppooiinnttss will be given to applicantsaccepted as homeless who are housed by thecouncil in temporary accommodation orpeople who are living in insecureaccommodation and are threatened withhomelessness.

DDiissaabbiilliittyy aanndd MMeeddiiccaall NNeeeeddss SScchheemmeeThe council may give points, if it considersthat an applicant's accommodation isunsuitable in relation to their medicalcondition. If there is a medical problem, butthe accommodation is suitable, no medicalpoints will be given.

TTaabbllee BB shows the three medical categoriesthat an applicant can belong to.

CCaatteeggoorryy DDeessccrriippttiioonn PPooiinnttss

A Category A may be given to people who have an urgent need to move because theirproperty is unsuitable due to their medical condition. This would include people whose lifemight be at risk due to their housing conditions or who are completely houseboundbecause of the type of accommodation they live in. It will also include bed-blockers inhospitals or similar institutions. It will also include any Service Personnel who have beenseriously injured or disabled.

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B Category B may be given to people whose housing is unsuitable due to their medicalcondition but whose need to move is less urgent. We look at each case individually todecide whether the medical condition is such that the applicant needs to move on medicalgrounds.

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C Category C may be given to people who have been a medical condition that is caused ormade worse by their housing situation.

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TTaabbllee BB


No points are given to people whoseaccommodation is suitable for their medicalneeds. An example might be an applicantwho uses a wheelchair, but who already livesin a wheelchair-adapted flat.

Several people in the same household mayhave a physical or psychiatric illness, or adisability. The council will take this intoaccount if it is relevant to the housingcircumstances and give further points tohouseholds with more than one medicalcondition. Points will be given as shown inTTaabbllee CC, with no upper limit for the totalnumber of points.

For example, if three family members areassessed as having a medical need for amove and one is assessed as Category B andtwo as Category C, the total award for thehousehold would be 60 points (50+5+5). Ifone family member who was a Category C isreassessed as Category A then the pointswould be work out again at 115(100+10+5).

The council’s medical advisor mayrecommend the type, size and location ofhousing that is suitable. Applicants maychoose to accept properties from a widerrange than recommended without affectingtheir medical priority.

Priority for level access both to the propertyand within the property will be given toapplicants who have been assessed asneeding this by the medical officer.

Level access is defined as no steps internallyor externally (which the applicant wouldhave to use to access the property).

An offer of accommodation may bewithdrawn where medical evidence stronglysuggests it would be detrimental to thehealth and well being of the applicant.

WWhheeeellcchhaaiirr aanndd mmoobbiilliittyy nneeeedd ffoorr hhoouussiinnggAll applicants who require wheelchair andmobility housing will be assessed by anoccupational therapist.

Based on the occupational therapistsassessment, the applicant may be consideredfor either:

Wheelchair adapted accommodation.Properties specially built or adapted foroccupation by a person in a wheelchairOR

Mobility adapted accommodation.Properties which are purpose built oradapted to accommodate people whosemobility is impaired so that they areunable to negotiate any stairs or steps.


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For the highestcategory person

100 (Category A)50 (Category B)20 (Category C)

For the secondhighest person


For other familymembers


TTaabbllee CC

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CCaarreerrssApplicants may bid for additional bedroomfor a carer if:

there is a need for a member of thehousehold who would otherwise beexpected to share to have his or her ownroom

applicant requires personal care orsupervision by day or night and anadditional room is required for a live-incarer. In order to qualify for this position,a carer should live with the applicant on afull time basis and provide care for atleast 35 hours per week or have toprovide overnight care for more than 3nights a week. The applicant should be inreceipt of Attendance Allowance orDisability Living Allowance carecomponents at the middle or highest rate.The carer should normally be in receipt ofcarers allowance or receiving a package ofcare following a social work assessmentthat identifies a need for night time care.It may not be appropriate to insist onreceipt of carers allowance if the carerhas a job and is earning more than £95per week but independent evidence ofthe care arrangement will still be required.The carer should be a named individualunless care is provided on a rotaarrangement made by the appropriatesocial work team, or agents working ontheir behalf.

Carers who give up their ownaccommodation in order to live with anapplicant will be entitled to be rehoused onthe death of the applicant or the breakdownof the arrangement provided:

they can show proof of the sale of theirformer accommodation or termination ofa former tenancy

they did not receive sufficient funds fromthe sale of their former accommodationto purchase a property or meet theirhousing need by other means.

The offer of rehousing may not be in thehome occupied as a carer if it is not suitablein terms of size and character.

SSeerriioouussllyy iinnjjuurreedd aanndd ddiissaabblleedd sseerrvviiccee mmeennaanndd wwoommeennAny applicant who needs to move to suitableadapted accommodation because of aserious injury, medical condition or disabilitywhich he or she, or a member of theirhousehold, has sustained as a result ofservice in the Armed Forces.



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SSttaattuuss DDeessccrriippttiioonn PPooiinnttss

Category A Welfare points may be given where the applicant or a member of their household’shousing circumstance severely affects the welfare of the applicant. Rehousing maybe essential where the applicant or the member of the household is at a serious riskof harm.

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Category B Points may be given where the applicant or a member of their household’s housingcircumstance has an impact on the welfare of the applicant. Rehousing may bedesirable but not essential. The applicant or a member of the household will facehardship if they’re unable to give or receive support.

50

Category C Points may be given where the applicant or a member of their household’s housingcircumstance is affecting the welfare of the applicant. The applicant or a member ofthe household needs to move to a particular locality within the borough and failure tomeet that need would cause hardship to the applicant or others.

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TTaabbllee DD

WWeellffaarree ppooiinnttssWelfare points may only be given wherehousing or other circumstances severelyaffect the welfare needs of the applicant.Where there is welfare or social issues, thesewill be assessed by either the council'smedical advisor or senior officers. Examplesof this may include the need to securehousing for a vulnerable person or wherelengthy rehabilitation programmes have beencompleted and accommodation is an issue.

Assessments will be carried out in liaisonwith social services or a support agency.

Examples of welfare points given are shownin TTaabbllee DD below.

IIsslliinnggttoonn CCaarree lleeaavveerr && cchhiillddrreenn sseerrvviicceessThe Service Director has discretion to agreeannual quotas for referrals from IslingtonCouncil Adult Social Services and Children'sServices. Rehousing under these quotas maybe in council housing or through nominationrights to a housing association.

These points may be reviewed every threemonths.

DDeeccaannttss aanndd mmaajjoorr wwoorrkkssPoints may be given when a tenant needs tobe rehoused to allow repair, clearance,demolition or disposal of their home. Homesfor Islington and Partners for Improvement inIslington can award 6600 ppooiinnttss when aproperty is in a works programme, butrehousing is not immediately required.

Most moves required due to major works willbe temporary and the tenant will be requiredto return to their original property uponcompletion of the work.

Homes for Islington and Partners forImprovement in Islington can award 112200ppooiinnttss when a transfer is urgently required sothat major works can be carried out. In someinstances a permanent move may be agreed.

The council may also award major works ordecant points in exceptional circumstances toallow a housing association tenant to movewhere the housing association cannotprovide rehousing. The council reserves theright to make an offer of housing outside thechoice based lettings scheme to applicantswho have been unsuccessful at bidding forproperties.

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MMaannaaggeemmeenntt ttrraannssffeerrssPoints can only be agreed by Homes forIslington and Partners for Improvement inIslington where it is necessary to move atenant urgently for their safety or to preventa major disturbance. They will only beawarded for exceptional cases that falloutside the housing needs points scheme.For example when the police require witnessprotection or in the most severe cases ofharassment or violence.

These points may be reviewed every threemonths.

SSuucccceessssiioonn aanndd iinnhheerriittaanncceeA person can succeed to a council tenancyon the death of a tenant if they are thetenant's spouse, civil partner or they areanother member of the tenant's family andlived with the tenant for the twelve monthspreceding the tenant's death. The spouse orcivil partner takes precedence over anotherfamily member.

A council tenancy can be assigned during thelifetime of a tenant provided the personreceiving it would qualify to succeed if thetenant were to die immediately before thetenancy was assigned.

A tenancy can only be assigned or succeededto once.

DDiissccrreettiioonnaarryy tteennaanncciieessIn certain circumstances Homes for Islingtonand Partners for Improvement in Islingtonmay grant the tenancy of a property topeople who would have succeeded to thetenancy (under the rules outlined above) ifthere had not already been a succession. Thisis known as an inherited tenancy. Forexample, where a sole tenant dies and issucceeded by their spouse, the tenancy maybe given to a son or daughter on the deathof the spouse.

The new tenancy will be granted only if it isof the right size and does not haveadaptations or features required by disabledpeople and there are no arrears on theapplicants account. Right size means thehousehold will not under-occupy theproperty according to the council's rehousingstandards.

Applicants eligible for inherited tenanciesthat are under-occupying or occupying anadapted property may be offered rehousingin another suitable property. These applicantswill be given 115500 ppooiinnttss.

DDiissccrreettiioonnaarryy eexxcchhaannggeeIn certain circumstances Homes for Islingtonand Partners for Improvement in Islingtonmay grant a discretionary exchange betweena person who would have succeeded to thetenancy and a tenant who has a right tomutually exchange (sseeee ppaaggee 1133).

This discretionary exchange will only beagreed if the exchange meets the housingneed of both parties to the exchange.

The discretionary exchange will only beagreed if the applicants have no arrears ontheir accounts.

RReellaattiioonnsshhiipp bbrreeaakkddoowwnnWhere a relationship breakdown has occurredbetween couples and one or both partnersare a council tenant, one or both formerpartners will be eligible for 5500 ppooiinnttssproviding:

both partners have been living at theaccommodation for the past twelvemonths

there has been no violence or threat ofviolence (the perpetrator of violence orthreat of violence will not be given points)

under-occupation of the accommodationwill not result from rehousing just one ofthe former partners.



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Generally in cases where under-occupationwould result both partners will be housed insuitably sized accommodation. In such cases(and unless there are exceptionalcircumstances), neither partner will beeligible for re-housing unless both formerpartners agree to be housed in suitably-sizedaccommodation. Under this policy, the term"couples" refers to heterosexual, lesbian andgay relationships.

JJooiinntt tteennaanncciieessIn certain circumstances Homes for Islingtonand Partners for Improvement in Islingtonmay consider giving relationship breakdownpoints for other joint tenants seeking tobecome joint tenants.

SSttaattuuttoorryy hhoommeelleessss aapppplliiccaannttssApplicants to whom a duty to be housed isowed under the Housing Act 1996 will beplaced on the Housing Register.

SSeerrvviiccee tteennaannttssIslington Council employees who have heldservice tenancies for five years and arerequired to move will be given decant points.They will be eligible to bid for any suitablevacancies that meet their housingrequirements. They will qualify if they:

are due to retire on the grounds of ill-health

have reached pensionable age

have been made redundant and thecouncil has a contractual obligation toassist with their housing

have no other accommodation availableand they would be accepted under PartVII of the Housing Act 1996

die in service and their spouse or othermembers of the family have lived withthe employee in the property for twelvemonths prior to the employee's death.

Staff who leave their post because they areappointed to a non-residential post withinthe council will qualify for rehousing providedthey have been in residential service for acontinuous period of three years or more.

Staff who needs to move to anotherproperty because their service tenancy isunsuitable in terms of size or facilities mayapply for a transfer in the same way as othercouncil tenants. A transfer will be consideredprovided they can remain in the post atanother property.

AApppplliiccaattiioonnss ffrroomm hhoommeeoowwnneerrss Homeowners are eligible to join the HousingRegister and will be assessed in line with thepoints scheme.

Homeowners will not be given Islingtonresidence points unless it is consideredunreasonable for the applicants to purchaseor rent any other suitable accommodation.

Where an applicant is offered rehousing, theapplicant must undertake to place their homeon the open market immediately. They maynot rent their home or make any financialgain while waiting to sell.

AApppplliiccaannttss wwhhoo ddoo nnoott lliivvee iinn tthhee bboorroouugghhApplicants living outside Islington at the timeof applying will be assessed according to thesame criteria used for applicants living withinIslington. However, the points awarded forresidents in the borough will not be given.

RReecciipprrooccaall rreehhoouussiinngg aarrrraannggeemmeennttssThe housing options manager or therehousing manager has authority to considerreciprocal rehousing requests made by othercouncils or housing associations.

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AApppplliiccaannttss wwhhoo hhaavvee ddeelliibbeerraatteellyy ccrreeaatteedduunnssaattiissffaaccttoorryy lliivviinngg ccoonnddiittiioonnssThe council will consider whether anapplicant has exacerbated their housingcircumstances. If the applicant has lost theaccommodation as a result of a deliberateact or omission, the council reserves theright to assess their needs on the basis ofthe home that was lost.

UUnnddeerr-ooccccuuppaattiioonn sscchheemmee The objective of the scheme is to make themost effective use of the limited housingstock by releasing properties for use tohouseholds who are living in overcrowded ortemporary accommodation.

The under-occupation scheme may alsoprovide a financial incentive for applicantswho are under-occupying their property.

Under-occupying tenants in four bedroomproperties or larger who would normallyqualify for a one bedroom property may bidfor a two bedroom property. Applicants whoare in three bedroom properties may bid fortwo bedroom property. However this willreduce their priority and the financialincentive to move.

Discretionary priority points may be given tounder-occupiers to release family sizeaccommodation.

NNeeww ggeenneerraattiioonn sscchheemmeeThis is an initiative aimed at reducingovercrowding and preventing homelessness.The aim is to give applicants the opportunityto remain at home until they are housed if itis likely that they would present to thecouncil as homeless.

The criteria for the scheme are:

applicants must be aged eighteen years orabove

applicants must be living continuously as amember of the household of either anIslington Council or housing associationtenant in Islington for at least five years

proof of residence will be required for thelast five years

Additional priority will be given to applicantsin overcrowded households throughovercrowding points. This scheme is onlyopen to applicants who require bed sitters orone or two bedroom properties.

9900 ppooiinnttss will be given to applicants whorequire two bedrooms.

3300 ppooiinnttss will be given to single applicants orchildless couples who require a bedsit or onebedroom.



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HHoouussiinngg aassssoocciiaattiioonn aanndd ootthheerr ccoouunncciilltteennaannttss

Applications from housing association andother council tenants are considered inthe same way as Islington Council tenantsif the housing association or councilconfirm in writing that Islington Councilwill be given nomination rights to thevacated property and there is a demandfor housing in that area.

If the housing association and othercouncil does not agree to grant thecouncil nomination rights as outlinedabove the application will be assessed inaccordance with general housing registerprocedures.

RReenntt aarrrreeaarrssGenerally, Islington Council or housingassociation tenants in rent arrears may notbe eligible to bid for a property unless theyhave permission from their landlord.

Where a council or housing associationtenant applies for a transfer andsubsequently falls into arrears, theirapplication will be registered but they maynot be eligible to bid unless the arrears havebeen cleared.

Islington Council operates a choice basedlettings scheme called Home Connections. Asfar as possible all council, housingassociation, co-op managed and tenantmanagement organisation (TMO) propertiesare allocated through this scheme. There areexceptions including wheelchair adaptedproperties, mobility units and shelteredhousing.

The council reserves the right to make adirect offer of housing in discharge of any ofits housing duties where it is necessary to doso.

The council may refuse bids from applicantsif the property does not meet their assessedhousing need or, to avoid any potential riskto the applicants or others.

WWhhoo ccaann bbiidd??Applicants with 112200 ppooiinnttss or more will beeligible to bid for any properties advertisedunder our choice based lettings scheme.Applicants may bid for up to three propertiesin one week.

Where a property has been advertised with arestriction, applicants who meet the relevantcriteria will be prioritised for the property.For example level access properties may berequired for applicants with an assessed needfor these types of properties. In theseinstances preference will be given toapplicants requiring a level access on medicalor disability grounds.

PPrrooppeerrttyy ttyyppeeApplicants may be selected for ground floorflats, street properties, houses andmaisonettes and properties that are suitablefor adaptation only. This applies equally tocouncil tenants and other applicants forrehousing.

Choice based lettings

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SSeennssiittiivvee lleettttiinnggssThe council reserves the right to participatein sensitive lettings where it is considered tobe necessary for the effective managementof the stock.

A sensitive letting will take account of theneeds of the applicant and other residents.

AAcccceepptteedd hhoommeelleessss hhoouusseehhoollddss iinn tteemmppoorraarryyaaccccoommmmooddaattiioonnTemporary accommodation may be cancelledor alternatively a decision may be made tosuspend the application if the applicant:

fails to pay rent

fails to honour an agreement to repay anyarrears accrued

fails to make a housing benefit claim orfails to provide supporting information fora claim already made.

Exceptions to this policy may be agreed,depending on the applicant's circumstancesor the particular circumstances of theapplicant's household.

AApppplliiccaannttss iinn ssuuppppoorrtteedd hhoouussiinnggApplicants in supported housing may berestricted from bidding until they have beenassessed as being capable of independentliving.

AApppplliiccaannttss nnoott bbiiddddiinnggThe council will review all applications whereno bid has been placed on a quarterly basis.Applicants will be contacted to make surethat they understand how to bid and toensure that they will be able to make futurebids.

Homeless applicants who have sufficientpoints but have not participated in HomeConnections may be made a direct offer ofsuitable housing in any area. If they refusethe offer the council's duty to them can beended.

CCrroossss bboorroouugghh mmoovveessIslington works in partnership with otherlocal authorities and housing associations.

The Home Connections scheme encouragesmovement within the participating boroughsas a method of offering more choice to allapplicants. From time to time, localauthorities will advertise properties andapplicants will be able to place bids as long asthe properties meet their assessed housingneed.

These properties will be known as crossborough moves. Applicants will be short-listed in accordance with the allocation policyof the borough in which they have placedtheir bids.

LLeettttiinnggss ttoo oollddeerr aapppplliiccaannttssThe following blocks are designated forlettings to older applicants:

Darren Court

Lexfield House

Crowfield House

Romford House

1-6 The Precinct

1-30 Henfield Close

St Mary's Estate (Nicholsfield Walk)

Offers in these blocks will be made inaccordance with the allocation policy butonly to applicants over 50 years of age.



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CCoommmmuunniittyy LLeettttiinnggss Where new or renovated accommodation isprovided as part of a regeneration scheme,the council may decide to reserve 20% ofthe available properties for applicants wholive in the same ward area and are eligible tobid on the Home Connections scheme. Insome cases, tenants who moved away fromthe area as a result of the regenerationprogramme may also be included. Theseproperties will be advertised in HomeConnections. Where a special lettings planhas been applied to a development this willbe included in the property advert.

The aims of this approach are:

to assist residents to maintain anddevelop ongoing connections with thearea and contribute to the sustainabilityof the community

to help address overcrowding and under-occupation within the local community.

Community lettings schemes are approvedby the Service Director of Housing.

The types of schemes to be included:

a group of properties available for lettingat the same time will be identified asbeing suitable for community lettings.Usually these will be newly built housingassociation properties located inregenerated areas within the borough

for 20% of available properties prioritywill be given to applicants living in thesame ward with the rehousing points tobid for accommodation. Applicants willthen be short-listed in the normal way.

special lettings plans that give priority toapplicants living in specific blocks, estates,or localities may be agreed at the planningstage and will be implemented at theallocation stage.

Homes adapted for wheelchairs are generallyexcluded from these schemes.

IInnttrraa-eessttaattee ttrraannssffeerrssThe aim of this initiative is to enable tenantswho want to stay on the estate to remainthere.

20% of all available void properties onestates will be prioritised to tenants on theparticular estate who are eligible to bid andwho would like to be housed within theestate. Applicants will then be short-listed inaccordance with the allocation policy.

HHoouussiinngg ccoo-ooppss,, tteennaanntt mmaannaaggeeddoorrggaanniissaattiioonnss ((TTMMOOss)) aanndd ootthheerr llaannddlloorrddssSome landlords, including co-ops and TMOs,due to their specialist nature, may requireapplicants with certain additional criteria forexample, ability to take part in a co-op.These additional criteria will be included aspart of the advertisement.

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Internal reviews

IInntteerrnnaall rreevviieewwss ooff ddeecciissiioonnssApplicants who wish to challenge a decisionof the council under its allocation policyshould try to resolve the problem informallyin the first instance. Council tenants shouldcontact the transfer team, and all otherapplicants should approach the RehousingTeam.

UUppddaattee ooff aapppplliiccaattiioonnss The council will contact applicantsperiodically to ensure the information held onapplicants is up to date.

Applicants are expected to provide adequateinformation in order for their applications tobe processed. With out this their applicationwill not be processed.

False or misleading information may leavethe applicant at risk of prosecution.

If applicants circumstances change after theyhave applied the council may suspend orremove them from the Housing Register.

If the applicant is still not satisfied they mayrequest a formal internal review if one of thefollowing is in dispute:

the eligibility of the applicant to join theHousing Register

removal or suspension of an applicantfrom the Housing Register.

A panel of officers from the council's Housingand Adult Social Services departmentconsiders formal internal reviews. Officersdirectly involved in the original decision willnot take part in the panel decision.

RReevviieeww ooff ppooiinnttss aawwaarrddssIf an applicant is unhappy about the pointsgiven, or a reduction in their points, they canask for the relevant manager to review theirassessment.

RReevviieeww aaggaaiinnsstt ooffffeerrssApplicants who have been made an offer ofhousing outside of choice based lettings, andbelieve the offer of housing is not suitable,have the right to an internal review. Theinternal review is considered by a panel ofofficers from the Housing and Adult SocialServices department of the council.

AApppplliiccaannttss oonn tthhee wwaaiittiinngg lliisstt wwhhoossuubbsseeqquueennttllyy mmaakkee aa hhoommeelleessss aapppplliiccaattiioonnIf the council decides that the applicant ishomeless and a rehousing duty is owed, theapplicant will have to decide whether topursue a waiting list or a homelessapplication. The applicant will only be eligibleto bid under one application.

Applicants should also be aware that if thecouncil or housing association grants atenancy as a result of false information givenby the applicant or someone else on theirbehalf, the landlord will take court action torepossess the property.

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Complaints

Islington Council operates a three-stage complaints procedure about the way in which thecouncil implements its services. Complaints are dealt with according to the followingprocedure:

SSttaaggee 11: This is investigated by the manager of the service about which the complaint ismade. A written response will be sent within ten working days from the date thecomplaint was received by the department. For more complex enquires requiring furtherinvestigation a holding response can be sent informing the customer of the date they canexpect a full response.

SSttaaggee 22: This is investigated by the housing complaints and appeals manager. A writtenresponse will be sent within a maximum of ten working days from the date the complaintwas received.

SSttaaggee 33: This is investigated by a corporate complaints officer.

If after Stage 3 investigation the complaint remains dissatisfied, a complaint should be madeto the Local Government Ombudsman.

ChapterEleven

Further informationFurther details are provided in IslingtonCouncil's Corporate Complaints leaflet,which can be obtained from

CCoorrppoorraattee CCoommppllaaiinnttss DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt Town Hall, Upper Street, London N1TT 020 7527 2000WW www.islington.gov.uk

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If you have any questions/comments or would like this document in large print orBraille, audiotape or in another language, please contact 020 7527 4175.

CCoorraa NNiicchhoollllssRehousing TeamIslington Council38 Devonia RoadLondon, N1 8UY

EE [email protected] 020 7527 4175FF 020 7527 4136WW www.islington.gov.uk/housing

Printed on environmentally friendly paper. Published June 2009.

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