Housing Allocations & Letting Policy – 6 Month Review

Open Decision Item 4

375 1

One Corby Policy Committee 9th May 2006

Housing Allocations & Letting Policy – 6 Month Review

SYNOPSISThe current Housing Allocations and Letting Policy was agreed by the One Corby PolicyCommittee and implemented in October 2005. One recommendation from the committeewas that it was reviewed after being in practice for 6 months, and then reviewed annuallythereafter. A number of minor changes are being recommended as a result of this reviewand from the feedback from other stakeholders.

1. Relevant Background DetailsThe Housing Allocations and Lettings Policy is a working policy used to assess applicantswho are looking for housing with Corby Borough Council and other social housinglandlords. The policy determines how the social housing sector should react to individualcircumstances and make the best use of its existing housing stock. Historically, thepolicy was updated and changed in line with changes in Government Legislation and thelast major change was in response to the changes brought out in February 2003. It wasagreed that such an important document should be regularly reviewed in line not onlywith legislation but also with customer, stakeholder and staff feedback.

2. ReportA number of issues have been raised through CBC service users, staff and otherstakeholders, such as the Local Government Ombudsman and a number of smallamendments have been required to reflect changes in CBC posts and personnel. Theissues and changes are detailed in the attached summary – Appendix 1 plus a copy ofthe amended policy for May 2006, Appendix 2.

A new Housing Application form has been developed based on the policy and feedbackfrom service users, staff, stakeholders and partnership organisations has been positive.It is planned that this form will replace the existing form in the summer of 2006; a copy ofthe form is attached at appendix 3.

3. Options to be considered (if any)An alternative option for both now and in the future for “No-demand” shelteredaccommodation would be to consider taking a whole unit out the Sheltered Units that hasthe least demand and consider it for alternative uses. This can also be considered at alater date if the recommendations for the Policy changes on appendix 1, Items 1 & 2 areagreed.

4. Issues to be taken into account:-Policy PrioritiesOur “One Corby: The Year Ahead 2006 – Building Success” document sets out ouraspirations for the future. The recommendations for the changes to be made to theHousing Allocations & Lettings Policy take into consideration Section 2 of the documentwhich relates to the “Community” targets that CBC have set. They are:

• Target d: “Improving Housing Quality and Choice. We have set a target in our

j:\meetings\reports\2005-2006\375.doc 2

Housing Strategy for 20% of future new homes to be affordable, with a broad 50/50 splitbetween low cost homes for sale and social rented. Between 2005 and 2021 we shallseek to deliver 3000 affordable homes, with the first ones coming on stream in 2006 aspart of our Kingswood Housing Regeneration Area. The affordable homes commitmentwill be written into the North Northamptonshire Local Development Framework and S106Agreements for individual planning applications.

By 2010 we shall meet the Government’s target by upgrading all our stock of 5500Council homes to Decent Homes Standard. In 2005 the Government Office approved ourplan to retain this stock and invest from our fully funded capital programme.”

• Target e: “Becoming a Good Landlord. Just over 20% of homes in Corby are currentlyrented from the Council making us the biggest landlord by a wide margin. We arecurrently judged to be a ‘poor’ landlord by the Audit Commission inspectors but in 2006that will change:

− between August 2005 and December 2005 (inclusive) we cut the number of voidproperties from 217 to 124 and will hit our target of 50 voids by mid 2006. By themid-part of 2006/07 we aim to achieve our target of 30 days for letting a void

− we have rehoused the majority of vulnerable, single male residents at ‘The Lodge’hostel and will close it by March 2006, providing floating support for those who needit. In 2006 we shall bring plans forward to Supporting People for a smaller, purposebuilt facility

− in 2006 we shall tackle the backlog of responsive repairs in the same way we havetackled voids in 2005

− between 2006-08 we shall redevelop over 200 low demand properties in our priorityareas/estates of Kingswood, Arran Way/Lodge Park and Finland Way/Danesholme toprovide modern, low cost (including social rented) homes.”

This report was considered by the Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Panel at its meeting on26th April 2006. Officers will provide to the Committee an update on the Panel’scomments/recommendations.

FinancialThe implementation of the Housing Allocations & Lettings Policy is carried out bypersonnel in CBC’s Housing Landlord and Housing Options Teams, via the use of corefunding included within the 2006/7 budget.

LegalThe key Legislative background behind local Authority lettings and allocations policies isfound in the Housing Act 1996 and in amendments to Part 6 of the Act made by theHomelessness Act 2002.

Performance InformationThe report includes clarification of CBC’s Housing Allocations and Lettings Policy, andthe new Housing Application form which will enable all applicants to be assessedconsistently and assist in developing case studies for future considerations.

Best ValueThe 2005 Best Value Report made recommendation for the Council to make better use ofits stock in meeting housing need. The revised Housing Allocations & Lettings Policy willbe a move towards achieving the recommended Choice Based Lettings Scheme in thefuture.


Human RightsThe Human Rights Act notes “RIGHT TO RESPECT FOR PRIVATE AND FAMILY LIFE”,Article 8. The Council’s Housing Allocations & Lettings Policy is a key support forhouseholds to find accommodation through the open market.

EqualitiesThe revised Housing Application form proposes changes to the information obtained onethnic and cultural backgrounds, in order to monitor Equal Opportunity issues moreappropriately.

Community SafetyThe Housing Allocations & Lettings Policy includes how to respond to Anti-socialbehaviour or threats to households, and to applicants with a history of unacceptablebehaviour.

ConsultationThis policy will be put on the agenda for the Housing Needs forum and will be circulatedto all Registered Social Landlords and the Housing Options Preview Group, which is agroup of organisations and agencies, including FORTAC and the Homeless OperationalFocus Group, sharing service views of homeless issues. The revised Application forHousing has already been through the Preview group and has had positive feedbackwhich has been acted up on. Any further feedback will be brought to the next HousingAllocations & Lettings Policy review in October 2006.

5. ConclusionThe Housing Allocations and Lettings Policy is a living document that will be continuallydeveloped to reflect the changing needs of service users, whilst balancing the businessof letting homes from social landlords.

6. RecommendationsIt is recommended that Members:

i) Agree the amendments to the policy listed at Appendix 1.

ii) Agree the amended CBC Policy, May 2006, Appendix 2, and the Application form forhousing, Appendix 3.

Background PapersThe Housing Act 1996 - ODPMThe Homeless Act 2002 - ODPMHomeless Code of Guidance 2002 - ODPMFiles held by the Housing Options Team, including Local Government Ombudsman’srecommendation.CBC Housing Register

External ConsultationsThis report has not required any external consultations, but does consider recommendationsfrom service users and the Local Government Ombudsman.

List of AppendicesAppendix 1 – Summary of proposed changes to CBC Housing Allocations & Lettings PolicyAppendix 2 – Amended Housing Allocations & Lettings Policy, May 2006Appendix 3 – Proposed new ‘Application for Housing’ form


WardsAll wards

Officer to ContactJacqui Page, Housing Options Team Leader – 4617Martin Field, Strategy and Enabling Manager – 4620

HOUSING ALLOCATION & LETTINGS POLICY REVIEWSUMARY OF CHANGES & WHY

Appendix 11

Policy PageNumber

Policy Change Recommendation / Initiative Reason for change / initiative

13/14Sheltered

Accommodationfor Older People

Recommendation 1: To drop the age limit from 60years and over to 55 years and over for all shelteredaccommodation. When there is no demand at the timeof allocation to accept applicants’ 50 years and over.

To market Sheltered complexes and reduce void times because of “no-demand”. This is a recommendation from the Local GovernmentOmbudsman’s’ enquiries that CBC are more proactive in marketing theavailability of its’ sheltered complexes & tenancies. This stock remains partof CBCs stock with a disproportionately high number of voids.

13/14Bedsit size

accommodationin shelteredcomplexes

Recommendation 2: To introduce a policy similar toone that CBC already use, in that when a bedsit isallocated, the applicant may keep their original pointsand continue building on them whilst waiting for aflat/bungalow in their preferred complex.

To market Sheltered complexes and reduce void times. This is arecommendation that came about through applicants seen by the HousingOptions Team.

5/12Appendix 2

(Page 2) PriorityTable

Recommendation 3: That families with dependantchildren, regardless of how many, should be entitled totwo and three bed houses. However, larger familiesshould be considered ahead of small families in thenomination process, and where there are dependantand non-dependant children in a household, they aretaken into consideration for bed spaces.

CBC currently only considers families with 1 child for a two-bed house as perchanges in the October 05 policy. However, since this time there have beenproblems and complaints from families. There have been examples such asa young couple with 1 child but access arrangements to another that undercurrent policy can only get a two-bed house. This has meant no actualbedroom for the 2nd child when access rights have taken place. Anotherexample is that of a single parent with 2 children, 1 of each sex, one of adependant age and the other of a non-dependant age. This situation isassessed the same as a two adults with one child and therefore theirentitlement is for a 2 bed house only. This change will reduce pressure onthe 2-bed stock.

7Unacceptable

Behaviour

Recommendation 4: To agree to add to existing text,“Where the Council decide that a person is ineligible foran allocation of housing, it will inform that person inwriting of its decision. All reasons will be put in writingand depending on the seriousness of conduct, how longthat person will be excluded from making an applicationfor an allocation of housing from the Housing Registerand when their case can next be reviewed. The lengthof time that an applicant can be excluded will rangebetween 1 year and 5 years. (As under existingarrangements) the Housing Options Team Leader willtake the decision. Applicants have a right to request areview of this decision (see page 13).

This recommendation came about through the Local GovernmentOmbudsman’s Enquiry following an Applicant’s appeal that queried as towhen they could have their case reviewed and be re-admitted to the HousingRegister.

HOUSING ALLOCATION & LETTINGS POLICY REVIEWSUMARY OF CHANGES & WHY

Appendix 12

9Home Owners

Recommendation 5: To agree to add text to sentence“… and to be nominated for a council property.”

For added clarity in the case of owners. An owner is entitled to apply with theAuthority for housing however, they cannot have an allocation of SocialHousing unless their circumstances indicate that they have a housing need(Serious disrepair, high priority medical need, unfeasibility of disablementadaptation, possession action or acute financial hardship) in order to beawarded points and to be nominated to a council property.

20Special

Circumstances

Recommendation 6: To agree to insert a paragraph inthis section that states: “However, in circumstanceswhere households experience the temporary loss of theuse of their home from fire, flood, or similar emergency,it will be assumed that other means of findingalternative accommodation have been sought beforethere will be a consideration of accepting them ashomeless under the Homeless Legislation.”

This paragraph is added to give clarity of procedures when dealing with aHealth and Safety Transfer/decant issue.

NB: A small redrafting to paragraphs/pages listed below has been undertaken for clarity of the text, but has not involved any change of policy.

Policy PageNumber

List of amendments due to changes in CBC Postsand Personnel

Reason for change

10/11 Homelessness/Hostel Residents/Domestic ViolenceThese paragraphs have been put into a different order

Paragraphs have been re-ordered to improve the flow of text.

10 Housing Association Tenants 1st Paragraph has beenchanged to include mutual exchanges.

To provide a clearer understanding on promoting mutual exchanges as analternative option to transfer.

4 Housing Register The word “allocation” has been changed to “nomination”.6/7/8/10/13/14/15/

16Job Title Change The post of Senior Housing Advice & Homeless Officer has changed to

Housing Option Team Leader and this has been changed throughout thedocument.

10 Changes in Circumstances: Changed “Advice” to“Housing Options Team” and added telephone numbers.

Team’s title has changed to Housing Options Team to reflect their overall rolewithin the Neighbourhood Pride. This should add clarity for both the client andany other stakeholder using the document.

11 Couples: Added to sentence “(see Appendix 2)” For added clarity in priority.12 Scale of Occupation: This has been slightly amended in

line with the 3rd recommendation above.Should Recommendation 3 be agreed this is what the scale would look like.

9 Other Couples: Text to be provided to define couples.

REVIEWED MAY 2006

This document is available on request in large print. A translationservice into a wide range of languages is also available. If you haveany special need, please tell us so we can help you. Please contactthe Housing Reception for further information.

Appendix 2 to the Report359b

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Access to Information

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CONTENTS PAGE

HOUSING REGISTER 4EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES 4STATEMENT ON CHOICE 4INFORMATION AND ADVICE 5RIGHT TO INFORMATION 5CONFIDENTIALITY 5ANNUAL REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS 5ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 6IMMIGRATION AND HABITUAL RESIDENCE 6UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR 6HOUSING ALLOCATIONS – GENERAL 7DISCRETION 7ASSESSMENT 7PERSONS UNDER 18 YEARS 7PEOPLE SENTENCED TO PRISON 7/8MEMBERS OF HM FORCES 8SOLE/JOINT APPLICATIONS & TENANCIES 8SERVICE TENANTS 8DEBTS TO LANDLORDS 8HOMEOWNERS 8HOUSING ASSOCIATION NOMINATIONS 9APPLICANTS NOT LIVING OR WORKING IN THE CORBY BOROUGH 9CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCE AND / OR TENURE 9HOMELESSNESS 9DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 10HOSTEL RESIDENTS 10FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN 10PARENTS WITH OVERNIGHT ACCESS 10COUPLES 10OFFENCES 11SCALE OF OCCUPATION 11OVERCROWDING 11IDENTICAL POINTS 11OFFERS OF ACCOMMODATION/REFUSALS 12REVIEW PROCEDURE 12POLICY REVIEW 12ELDERLY PERSONS 12/13DISABLED PERSONS 13MEDICAL NEED 13/14MOTHERWELL HOUSE 14TRANSFERS 15MUTUAL EXCHANGES 15RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWN (Tenants) 15MANAGEMENT TRANSFERS 15/16TRANSFERS FOR THE ELDERLY 16TRANSFERS FOR THE DISABLED 16SUCCESSION / FAILED SUCCESSION 16LOCAL POLICIES 16/17POINTS SCHEDULE 18/19/20

APPENDIX 1 - ENTITLEMENTAPPENDIX 2 - PRIORITY

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HOUSING REGISTER

The Housing Register is a list of applicants from which the nomination of Council rentedhomes, and Corby Housing Association homes, are made.

Any applicant ineligible for inclusion on the Housing Register, or whose application iscancelled or deferred, will be given the reasons in writing.

Where applications are ineligible or cancelled, applicants will have the right to appeal tothe Council within 21 days for a review of the decision. See page 12 for details. Theoutcome of appeals will be given in writing.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES & EQUALITIES CONSIDERATIONS

In the provision of housing services, Corby Borough Council seeks to ensure that theallocations policies and procedures do not discriminate directly or indirectly, on grounds ofrace, ethnicity, sex, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability.

Officers will make sure that the services that they provide are equally available toeveryone. To do this they may consider using language interpreters, people who can sign& interpret sign language & lip readers. Written materials may also be translated into otherlanguages or offered in Larger Print or Braille. We will assist in form completion and offerverbal explanations to non-readers. When identified we will seek additional support &assistance with the applicant’s permission to meet individuals needs. Officers who usethis guide in the workplace will respect & take into account all differences when makingreasoned decisions.

The Council will aim to ensure that the allocation scheme and lettings plan arerepresentative of the needs of the community and promote community cohesion. Theywill aim to ensure that the views of groups, which are currently under-represented in socialhousing, are taken into account when consulting on the allocations scheme anddeveloping the lettings plans.

Corby Borough Council will seek to comply with statutory requirements relating to equalopportunities and the relevant codes of practice including the Commission for RacialEquality's Code of Practice in Rented Housing and Tackling Racial Harassment: Code ofPractice for Social Landlords.

STATEMENT ON CHOICE

Corby Borough Council is fully committed to the principle of enabling applicants to play amore active role in choosing accommodation in the social housing sector, seeking tomaximise customer choice, whilst ensuring that those in the greatest housing need remaina priority for re-housing.

Allocations will be made in accordance of points based on applicants’ preference for areaand property type (within the limits of the 'Scale of Occupation' – see page 11, Entitlementand Priority – See Appendices 1&2 attached for clarification). COHABITING / MARRIEDCOUPLES / FAMILIES WITH ONE DEPENDANT WILL BE ALLOCATED 2 BEDHOUSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH POINTS but HOUSEHOLDS WITH DEPENDANTCHILDREN WILL BE GIVEN PREFERENCE FOR LARGER FAMILY HOUSES.

Should applicants for any reason require an offer earlier than their preferences and pointswould provide they should be prepared to consider alternative areas in accordance withpoints accumulated.

Applicants, who restrict their choices to particular areas of the Borough, or to particulartypes of property, should be aware that they are reducing their chances of achieving the

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earliest offer.

Occasionally the Council may offer to an applicant a property, which does not meet theirexpressed preferences, on a "speculative" basis, but which is felt would meet theirhousing needs. Experience shows that such offers are often acceptable. Applicants canhowever, refuse a speculative offer without any penalty being applied.

INFORMATION AND ADVICE

The Council will provide advice and information in a variety of ways, to ensure that anyinterested party is aware of how to make an application for housing, the contents of theallocations policy and the housing options available to them. For example we can makethis document available in another language on request.

The Council will ensure that assistance is available for anyone who may have difficulty inmaking an application. If you have any special needs please tell us so that we can helpyou. We can offer assistance and guidance to complete an application form.

The Council will publish a summary of this allocation policy, which will be available free ofcharge to any member of the public who requests it. The full allocation policy will beavailable for inspection if required.

RIGHT TO INFORMATION

All applicants have the right to request information about how their application is likely tobe treated under the Allocation scheme and if, and when, accommodation is likely to bemade available to them. Applicants also have the right, on request, to be informed of anyfacts about their application which have been, or are likely to be, taken into account inconsidering whether to make an allocation.

Applicants are entitled to see their particular entry on the Housing Register and to receivea summary of the information provided by them free of charge.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Any information provided as part of the application process will be treated in the strictestconfidence and in accordance with current data protection legislation.

The Council will not discuss any aspect of the application with a third party, without priorauthorisation from the applicant.

ANNUAL REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS

In order to keep the Housing Register, as up to date as possible, all applications will besubject to an annual review on the anniversary of the date of application. The review isintended to ensure that the applicant still wishes to be considered for accommodation andthat the most up to date information about their housing circumstances and need is held.

It is the Applicant’s responsibility to return their review promptly as only one furtherreminder will be sent, those Applicants who fail to respond to either the review letter, orthe subsequent reminder letter, will have their applications cancelled.

Re-instatement of the application may be permitted but only if the Applicant can providegood reason for failing to respond.

Reasons for consideration of reinstatement should be put in writing along with anysupporting evidence, to the Housing Options Team Leader, who will make any decision onre-instatement.

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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Homelessness Act 2002 states that an allocation can only be made to an eligibleperson and states the circumstances in which someone is ineligible. Since the HousingRegister is used as the basis for making allocations, those persons who are ineligible foran allocation will not be allowed to join the Housing Register.

1. Immigration and Habitual Residence.The law states that the following persons are ineligible:

• a person subject to immigration control within the meaning of the Asylum andImmigration Act 1996 is ineligible unless they are of a class prescribed by regulationsmade by the Secretary of State.

• certain persons from abroad who are not subject to immigration control, and nothabitually resident in the Common Travel Area (CTA).

The above does not apply to persons who are already secure tenants of the Council orassured Tenants of a Registered Social Landlord.

The applicant must provide documentation to confirm eligibility.

2. Unacceptable BehaviourThe law also states that the Council can decide that an applicant is to be treated asineligible if it is satisfied that:

• a person or member of the person's household, has been guilty of unacceptablebehaviour serious enough to make the person unsuitable to be a tenant of the CouncilAND

• in the circumstances at the time the application is considered, the person is unsuitableto be a tenant of the Council by reason of that behaviour.

The Council will, where appropriate, use its powers to decide that a person is ineligiblefor an allocation for housing on the grounds of unacceptable behaviour. Where theCouncil decide that a person is ineligible for an allocation of housing, it will inform thatperson in writing of its decision. All reasons will be put in writing and depending on theseriousness of conduct, how long that person will be excluded from making an applicationfor an allocation of housing from the Housing Register and when their case can next bereviewed. The length of time that an applicant can be excluded will range between 1 yearand 5 years. The Housing Options Team Leader will take the decision. Applicants have aright to request a review of this decision (see page 12).

Examples of unacceptable behaviour may include:

• Being convicted of supplying or dealing of illicit substances.• Causing nuisance to neighbours.• Being served with an anti-social behaviour order.• Being evicted, or abandoning a Public Sector tenancy, prior to legal action being

taken for breach of tenancy conditions.• Being convicted of an arrestable offence committed in, or in the vicinity of their

home.• Being convicted of using their home for immoral or illegal purposes.

A person being treated as ineligible for the Housing Register can make a fresh applicationto the Council if they considered that they should no longer be treated as ineligible.However, unless there has been a considerable lapse of time, it will be necessary for theapplicant to show that their circumstances or behaviour has changed substantially.

Those applicants, who have a history of anti-social but are eligible for consideration on theHousing Register, may find their choices are limited in terms of property type or area.

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HOUSING ALLOCATIONS GENERAL

General

Where applicants become ineligible to be included on the Housing Register, theirapplications will be cancelled.

Applicants will be advised of any changes in writing.

Discretion

The Council reserves the right to exercise discretion, in terms of property type or area, inrespect of applicants with a history of anti-social behaviour. The Housing Options TeamLeader will take decisions on the use of discretion.

Assessment

All applicants will be interviewed and their requirements recorded before any allocation ismade. They will be required to provide proof of identity and any other documents neededin the assessment of their application.

Each applicant will be categorised depending on the type of accommodation required, andgiven block points where appropriate. These may be amended as a result of changedcircumstances.

The 3 groups are:• those requiring "general needs" accommodation (houses, upper flats and

maisonettes).• those requiring accommodation designated, or particularly suitable, for the Elderly.• those requiring accommodation designated, or particularly suitable, for those with

certain disabilities.

Persons Under 18 Years

Applications will be accepted from persons over the age of 16 years, but they will notnormally be allocated accommodation until they have attained the age of 18 years.

However, those under the age of 18 will be considered for housing if one or more of thefollowing apply:

• Accepted as statutorily homeless and in priority need under the Housing Act 1996,as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002.

• Over the age of 16 where Social Services Authorities under S27 of the Children’sAct 1989 have made a referral for assistance.

• Have been assessed as able to meet the responsibilities of a tenancy.

In all of the above cases, the Council will seek to undertake a joint assessment with SocialServices of the applicant’s housing, care and support needs to ensure that adequatesupport is available.

A guarantor, acceptable to the Council, will be required to countersign the tenancyagreement.

Applicants under 18 years who do not meet one or more of the above will be deferred.

People Sentenced to Prison

If you are an applicant on the Housing Register and are sentenced to prison, then yourapplication will be deferred for the term of the sentence and re-instated upon your release.

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(Subject to “Unacceptable Behaviour” – page 6.)

Local connection points will not be awarded during the term of the sentence but will beawarded on notice of release from the prison / probation services (must have at least 28days notice).

Members of Her Majesty’s Forces

If you are a member of Her Majesty’s Forces your application for housing can beregistered at any time, however, no allocation will be made until discharge and cessationpapers have been received.

If the applicant resided in the Borough prior to joining the forces Local connection pointswill be awarded on production of discharge and / or cessation papers.

Sole/Joint Applications & Tenancies

Applications involving married or other couples will be treated as JOINT APPLICATIONSand all new tenancies will be granted jointly in the names of the two people concerned,except where one party is excluded from the Housing Register.

This also includes tenancies granted to existing sole tenants who transfer to alternativeaccommodation.

Service Tenants

Persons in Tied/Service Tenancies may apply at any time on the Housing Register but willnot receive block points allocation until the service tenancy is terminated, and thenconsidered in accordance with points accumulated.

Service Tenants of Corby Borough Council who are retiring will receive points, within thethree months prior to termination of employment, to reflect length of service and reasonsfor termination (see Page 20, “Corby Borough Council Service Tenants).

Those leaving for other reasons will be considered in accordance with the Homelessnessprovisions in Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.

Debts to Landlords

Pending clearance of outstanding debts to landlords, applications will be deferred andapplicants advised in writing. Where there are special circumstances, individual casesmay be considered by the Head of Service – Neighbourhood Pride, in conjunction with thelead member for Housing. The applicant must present their case to be considered underspecial circumstances, in writing.

Homeowners

If you are involved in the ownership of a property, either freehold, under mortgage, sharedownership, leasehold, or under an equity release scheme, or have a legal right ofoccupation, you can apply for entry to the Housing Register. However, you must have ahousing need (serious disrepair, high priority medical need, unfeasibility of disablementadaptations, possession action or acute financial hardship) in order to be awarded pointsand to be nominated for a Council property.

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Housing Association Nominations

Only applicants eligible under the allocation policies of Housing Associations will beconsidered for nomination to those Associations.

Nominations to Housing Associations for rented property will be given in the order ofpoints from the Council's Housing Register, and will be regarded as being the same asoffers of Council accommodation for the purpose of refusal penalties (page 12).

Applicants who accept tenancies of Housing Association properties will need to re-applyon the housing register after being a tenant for two years, should they require councilaccommodation at a later date.

Housing Association Tenants

Applicants who are currently tenants of a Housing Association will only be considered onthe Housing Register, in line with Corby Borough Council Tenants, having been residentin their present home for a minimum of two years.

Any applications that the Housing Options Team receive prior to the minimum two yearswill be sent a Mutual exchange form so that they can be registered electronically fortenants to view upon request.

Where there are special circumstances, individual cases may be considered by theHousing Options Team Leader, in consultation with the Housing Association Landlord.

Applicants not living or working within the Corby Borough

Applicants who are accepted, under the legislative changes from February 2003, onto theHousing Register will not be awarded points other than waiting time.

Any change in circumstance will result in reassessment of the application and could affectpoints and eligibility.

Applicants with a local connection to the Borough will be awarded level 3 local connectionpoints.

Changes of Circumstance and / or Tenure

All applicants should contact the Housing Options Team on 01536 464626/7/8 beforetaking steps to change their tenure in case this affects their points, application or choices.

It is the Applicant’s responsibility to advise Housing Services as soon as possible ofany changes in circumstance and to keep in touch on a regular basis.

Homelessness

If you are homeless, or threatened with homelessness, your circumstances will beconsidered under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the HomelessnessAct 2002). The Council will investigate your circumstances and if you are deemedhomeless, in priority need and did not become homeless intentionally, you may be offeredthe following:

• Advice and assistance, to enable you to find accommodation with a HousingAssociation or private landlord.

• One offer of accommodation in accordance with points accrued on the Council’sHousing Register that is suitable for you to live in.

• Temporary accommodation.

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Hostel Residents

Residents of temporary accommodation in hostels, or supported housing projects that aremultiple share, are entitled to retain their applications on the Housing Register, until theyare housed in permanent accommodation.

Applicants will receive additional preference points awarded on a 1-month and 3-monthbasis and reasonable preference points.

Homeless Applicants that are accepted under The Housing Act 1996 and given temporaryaccommodation to resolve their homelessness will have choice of accommodation that isunrestricted for 6 months. However, available accommodation is scarce and shouldchoices of area and accommodation within the applicants entitlement range be sorestrictive as to increase their time spent in temporary homeless accommodation, thenthey will be made a suitable offer in accordance with points, regardless of chosen areas.

Domestic Violence

If you are fleeing from your current home because of a threat of or an act of domesticviolence your application will be dealt with under Homelessness Legislation as outlinedabove, and therefore there will be no need to submit an application to register on thewaiting list.

Families with young children

Flats and maisonettes are not generally considered suitable long-term accommodation forfamilies with young children. However, where an applicant has a child or children under 8years of age (at the time of nomination) they can request allocation of a flat or maisonetteon a temporary basis, retaining equivalent points accumulated for use on the Council'sTransfer Register in order to obtain a house, subject to the tenancy being conducted in asatisfactory manner.

Expectant single applicants before 24 weeks of pregnancy may be allocated 1 bedroom (2person) flats or larger "no-demand" flats and maisonettes and retain points as above.Consideration will be given to larger flats and maisonettes after the 28th week ofpregnancy.

Parents with overnight access

Parents with formal regular overnight access and shared responsibility to children ofdependable age will be considered for family sized flats and maisonettes.

Confirmation will be required in the form of a court order, solicitor’s letter or letter from arecognised agency. Confirmation will not be accepted from the other parent.

Couples

Married and cohabiting couples regardless of gender or sexuality will be considered for 2bedroom houses. Proof of cohabitation will be required to confirm entitlement.

Non-cohabiting couples, regardless of gender or sexuality, friends and brothers/sisters willbe given preference over single applicants for 2, 3 and 4 bedroom flats and maisonettes inaccordance with bedroom entitlement. However, precedence will be given to families withchildren, cohabiting or married couples and access parents on points (See Appendix 2).

11

Offences

It is an offence for anyone making an application to the Council’s Housing Register to:

• knowingly or recklessly give false information to the Council or,• knowingly withhold information which the Council has reasonably required him/her

to give in connection with the exercise of its function under the Housing Act 1996(Part VI), as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002.

A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on conviction to a fine notexceeding level 5 on the standard scale (£5000).

Ground 5 in Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1985 (as amended by Section 146 of the 1996Act), enables the Council to seek possession of a tenancy which it has granted as a resultof a false statement by the tenant, or a person acting at the tenant’s instigation.

Scale of Occupation See also (Entitlement and Priority)

Bedsit 1 person1 Bedroom 1-2 persons2 Bedrooms 2-4 persons*3 Bedrooms 3-6 persons*4 Bedrooms 6-7 persons*5 Bedrooms 7+ persons

* (depending on property type. The Council owns 2 bedroom houses with 3 and 4bedspaces, 3 bedroom homes with 4, 5 and 6 bedspaces, and 4 bedroom houseswith 6 and 7 bedspaces).

Where families are currently overcrowded and suitably sized property in areas of choice isnot available within a reasonable time scale, they may opt for an alternative within onebedspace of the above guidelines.

HOUSEHOLDS WITH DEPENDANT CHILDREN WILL BE GIVEN PREFERENCE FORLARGE FAMILY HOUSES. COHABITING / MARRIED COUPLES / FAMILIES WITH 1DEPENDANT WILL BE ALLOCATED 2 BED HOUSES IN ACCORDANCE WITHPOINTS. (Within the limits of the 'Scale of Occupation' – see page 11, Entitlement andPriority – See Appendices 1&2 attached for clarification).

Overcrowding

The Council's standards used to determine under-occupation or overcrowding, and inallocation of tenancies, are known as the 'Approved Occupancy' numbers.

These take into account only bed-spaces; double bedrooms are for two persons andsingle bedrooms for one person. However, where a child over 10 has to share a roomwith another child of the opposite sex, the accommodation is considered to be unsuitable.

Identical Points

In cases of identical points, the order will be headed by the applicant with the highestpriority. Priority will be determined in the following order:-

1 Applicants Requiring Special Consideration2 Management/Priority Transfer Applicants3 Housing/Transfer Register Applicants4 Owner Occupier Applicants

12

Offers of Accommodation/Refusals

Two offers will be made to applicants in accordance with their recorded requirements.Refusal of the second offer, for reasons unacceptable to the Council, will result in either:

• Special block points being withdrawn, or where there are none,• Deduction of 12 months (52 weeks) waiting time points.

The Housing Options Team Leader will make decisions on unacceptability of offers.Following refusal of an offer, which met the stated requirements of the applicant, theapplication will be deferred pending formal interview with the Housing Advisor to clarifyrequirements. Applicants accepted as homeless, will be made ONE offer only, ofaccommodation in accordance with points accrued on the Council’s Housing Register.

The Right to Request a Review

All customers have the right to request a review of any decision about the facts of theircase (including whether they are eligible to be rehoused or not).

All letters notifying a customer of their housing need will advise them of their right to areview and provide appropriate guidance on how to request a review.

The right to request a review is in addition to the statutory right to review to remain on theHousing Register and the right to review for homelessness decisions.

Request for a review of any decision must be made in writing to the Housing Allocations &Lettings Policy Review Panel within 21days.

The Panel, who will consist of a Senior Officer (other than the member of staff who madethe original decision and a Nominated Councilor, will hold the review.

If the customer wishes to present their case personally, they must indicate this within theirletter. The customer may have another person speak on their behalf or to be with themwhen they attend a panel hearing.

The Council will notify the customer of the review decision in writing within 8 weeks of therequest (or a longer period if agreed in writing by both parties).

In addition to the review process the Council has a Complaints Procedure.

A customer does not have the right to request a review of a decision reached by an earlierreview. (S164 (4) Housing Act 1996).

Policy Review

Elected Members of the Council have considered the allocation policy and will be advisedof any changes recommended as part of a policy review. The policy will be reviewedannually.

Elderly Persons

Separate categories are maintained for Elderly Persons requesting ground floor flats,bungalows or sheltered accommodation.

The definition of Category I and Category II, Sheltered accommodation is as follows: -

Category I: This is accommodation designed specifically for elderly tenants (aged 60and over) and the design takes into consideration the need for the properties facilities tobe easily accessible. The accommodation is not automatically linked into a warden

13

service and this puts it into the dependant living category. However, should the tenantwish, they can be connected to the Vitalink Warden Services. For an information leafletgiving details of this service, please contact Housing Services on 01536 464000. Wherethere is no demand from applicants aged 60 and over we will consider lowering the agelimitation to 50 years and over (see appendix 2 of this policy for priority clarification).

Category II: This also is accommodation designed specifically for elderly tenants (aged60 and over) and the design takes into consideration the need for the properties facilitiesto be easily accessible. However, this accommodation is built in the form of complexesthat are linked into the warden services and some facilities may be shared with othertenants. Where there is no demand from applicants aged 60 and over we will considerlowering the age limitation to 50 years and over (see appendix 2 of this policy for priorityclarification).

Applicants interested in accommodation for the elderly may register an application onreaching the age of 50 years. However, Category 2 sheltered accommodation will only beoffered where one of the parties has reached 60 years of age.

The Category 2 units are as follows: -

Chatellerault Court Marlow Court Sykes CourtDonald Greaves House Oakley Court Velbert HouseErnest Wright House Rankine House Wollongong HouseGeorge Blackall Court

Payment of Service Charges is an obligation of the Tenancy of Category 2 and Category1 Sheltered homes.

Disabled Persons

Separate categories are maintained for Disabled Persons and those with medical needs,which affect the type of housing they need. Those requiring substantially adapted orpurpose-built bungalows, flats and houses, and in some cases sheltered Category 2dwellings, will be given preference for these. (Properties with minor adaptations e.g.handrails, over bath showers, are excluded.)

Priority grouping will be determined in relation to needs and urgency, in accordance withthe recommendations of the Council's Special Needs Housing Advisor and in consultationwith the Housing Options Team Leader and will take into account any representationsmade by the medical profession. Need will take precedence over area requested,although where possible the applicant’s requests will be taken into account.

Single persons, who have been medically assessed by Social Services as requiring a 24-hour care package, will be given adequate sized accommodation to reflect their housingneeds.

Medical Need

Medical or welfare preference points will only be given where it can be demonstrated thatthe condition or location of the applicant’s current accommodation is having a negativeimpact on health and that re-housing will improve the situation.

An assessment will consider the extent of the applicant’s disability, the level of mobility indaily living activities, the use and potential use of relevant aids and adaptations, thelimitations of their present housing and the type of property and facilities needed in futureaccommodation.

Points will be awarded to reflect the priority of the application as follows:

14

• Urgent need to move• Need to move• Desire to move

Where applicants wish to obtain the support of a medical professional, they may do so onthe understanding that they will be responsible for any charges. This support will notnecessarily result in additional points being awarded.

Motherwell House

Motherwell House is a block of self-contained flats with a resident warden, allocated tosingle men only.

A Service Charge is compulsory for cleaning, lighting etc., of communal areas.

15

Transfers

Council tenants qualify to register for a transfer when: -

• they have completed two years’ tenancy in their present home, or;• there have been changes in their circumstances to the extent that the property

occupied is no longer adequate and suitable to their needs (See ManagementTransfers – page 15/16).

At the time of any offer of accommodation, the current tenancy must be satisfactorilymaintained. Account will be taken of the age, health and general ability of the tenant.

All types of Transfer Applicant should have a clear rent account before being permitted tosign for alternative Council or Housing Association tenancies, unless there are specialcircumstances. Consideration of special circumstances in respect of condition of propertyand rent debt will be by the Housing Options Team Leader.

Where injunction proceedings have been commenced or a Notice of Seeking Possessionhas been served in respect of breaches of Tenancy Conditions other than for rent,Transfer Applications will be deferred until the breach is remedied, or the situationresolved. Any exceptions will be at the discretion by the Head of Service –Neighbourhood Pride, in conjunction with the lead member for Housing.

Council tenants in family houses who wish to ‘downsize’ by one bedroom to other familyhouses in less demand, will not be given Management Transfer block points, but will beawarded preference points for under-occupation (net loss of bedrooms).

Mutual Exchanges

Although tenants are eligible to register for transfer after residing in their present home fortwo years, it can take several years before a move can be achieved. An alternative andquicker option would be to consider the Mutual Exchange Scheme.

Forms and advice are available upon request.

Relationship Breakdown (Tenants)

If you divorce or separate from your partner (whether you are married or cohabiting), andyou have dependant children or other dependants, you must give up the tenancy to thepartner who is to provide a permanent home for them.

Where permanent housing of the dependants is divided between two people, the personleaving the home will be helped to find private rented accommodation. They may thenregister on the Council’s Housing Waiting list for future accommodation. However, itshould be noted that they would not be eligible for houses, only flats and maisonettes.

Management Transfers

On validation of claims of overcrowding (lack of suitable bed spaces), under-occupation,substantial change in circumstances including disablement, medical, etc, the applicationmay be categorised as a MANAGEMENT TRANSFER and awarded 300 points.

Determination of overcrowding will be in accordance with the Scale of Occupation (seepage 11).

In allocation to this group, it may only be necessary that the housing needs are resolved.The classification as a Management Transfer will therefore be for the period of 12MONTHS ONLY. Other requests by the tenant not associated with the reason for

16

granting priority will be given consideration, relative to any points accumulated on anexisting application, and facilities enjoyed at the present home.

Where, however, tenants inhibit the Council's ability to assist by unreasonably restrictingtheir areas or types of choice, their needs are unlikely to be met within the above period.Management Transfer block points will be withdrawn unless, for management reasons,such as to enable better use of stock, the Council wishes to retain the preference (needspoints under this section may be retained).

The Housing Options Team Leader will take decisions on qualification for ManagementTransfers and assessment of medical/social needs points.

Medical and Disablement preference points will be determined by the Housing OptionsTeam Leader in consultation with the Special Needs Housing Advisor.

Refusal of two offers made in accordance with the need to transfer (or the tenant'sstipulations if appropriate), will result in reassessment of the need for preference pointsand may result in loss of these points and re-categorisation to the ORDINARY Transfergroup.

Transfers for the Elderly

Elderly persons wishing to move from family homes into Category 1 or Category 2sheltered accommodation, will be given Management Transfers and awarded appropriateneeds points (see points allocation – page 19).

Transfers for the Disabled

Tenants of property, which has been adapted by the Council to suit their individualrequirements, are entitled to transfer after completing 2 years tenancy, where possible toproperty already suitable or adapted for their specific needs.

Where costly adaptations are required to an existing tenancy, but alternative property canbe made suitable with minor expenditure, the applicant will be given the opportunity totransfer.

Succession (Public housing only)

Succession is the legal right for an individual to be awarded the tenancy of a Councilproperty at the time of a tenant’s death. To qualify for succession applicants must meetcertain criteria as outlined in the Housing Act 1985.

Offers of alternative accommodation to qualifying successors

The Council has a duty to maximise the use of it’s Housing Stock. Where instances ofovercrowding or under occupation exists and the successor is a family member asopposed to a spouse, alternative accommodation will be offered to reflect the need of thesuccessor using Management Transfer Points.

Household members who do not qualify to Succeed

Occupants, who do not qualify for the legal succession, will be offered the necessaryadvice and assistance to find alternative accommodation.

Local Lettings Policies

In order to encourage balanced communities it will be, from time to time, necessary for theCouncil to apply specific lettings policies designed to address particular local managementissues.

17

The Council will aim to ensure that any allocation scheme and lettings plan arerepresentative of the needs of the community and promote community cohesion. Theywill aim to ensure that the views of local community groups are taken into account whenconsulting on the allocation schemes and developing the lettings plan.

18

POINTS SCHEDULE

Points are awarded to reflect housing need, Council Policies and the "reasonablepreference" required by legislation, in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 (Part VI), asamended by the Homelessness Act 2002 and length of time on the Housing Register.

Reasonable Preference

Existing Security of Tenure Points Points

Accepted as Homeless / Resident in Hostel Accommodation 200In lodgings – sharing home – No Fixed Abode 150Lodging with relatives 125Private/Tied Tenants – sole use of home 100Threatened with homelessness within 28 days 50

Corby Borough Council / Registered Social Landlord Tenants 0Home Owners in housing need 0

Children Points (only those with insecurity of tenure above) Points

Family Member expecting a child/children 25Each dependent child up to the age of 16 years or in full time education up to the age of 19 years or other dependants 25

Time in Need / Waiting Time Points – All Applications Points

Per week the application is registered 1(up to a maximum of 500 points)

Overcrowding Points – All Applications Points

Per bedspace lacking 50

Economic Need Points (only those with insecurity of tenure above) Points

Households in receipt of Income Support }Households in receipt of means tested benefit } 10Households on restricted Housing Benefit }Persons leaving hostel, hospital, care or prison }

Unsatisfactory Conditions Points (only one from each group) Points

Property Statutorily Unfit 100Property in disrepair or other reason - Severe } As determined by an 75

- Moderate } Environmental Health 25- Mild } Officer 10

Elderly/Pregnancy/Children under 8 living in ground or first floor flats/maisonettes 25Elderly/Pregnancy/Children under 8 living in flats/maisonettes above the first floor 50

19

Medical/Social Needs Points – (only one per group) Points

Hostel - Multiple Sharing with unrelated households after 1 month 50Hostel - Multiple Sharing with unrelated households after 3 months 100

Application including person over 70 years of age } 50Application including person over 80 years of age } one only 100Application including person over 90 years of age } 150

Additional preference for application containing persons incapable of findingsettled housing 50

Urgent need to move for medical / social reasons 250Requirement to move for medical / social reasons 100

Disablement Points

Household member unable to access necessary facilities now 350Intermediate need 250Long Term Need 100

Local Connection Points

Points are awarded for one of the following local connections:

Level 1; Currently living or working within the borough. Forces Applicants 250who lived within the borough prior to joining the forces and Applicantswho lived within the borough prior to being sent to prison.

Level 2; Corby Borough Council Tenants or Housing Association 150tenants within the borough.

Level 3; Applicants not living within the borough who establish a local 50connection through living in Corby for 6 out of the last 12 months or 3out of the last 5 years (prior to date of applying). Applicants who haveimmediate family members who are living in Corby and have done sofor the last 5 years.

The term “immediate family member” is taken to mean, Mum, Dad,Brother, Sister, Son or Daughter only.

Proof will be required to confirm entitlement.

Management Transfers Points

For situations such as overcrowding, gross under-occupation, medical, etc 300

Gross Under Occupation Points

Net loss - per bedroom (Transfer Applicants Only) 50

20

Special Circumstances Points Points

Where the tenants continued occupation of the home is likely to result inclear imminent and serious danger to their safety or well-being, possibleas a result of the action of others, for example:- domestic violence,harassment, sustained racial or threatening behaviour, or as a result offire, flood or other emergency, the Council may deal with the matterunder Homelessness provision.

However, in circumstances where households experience the temporaryloss of the use of their home from fire, flood, or similar emergency, it willbe assumed that other means of finding alternative accommodationhave been sought before there will be a consideration of accepting themas homeless under the Homeless Legislation.

800Other special cases which are considered and approved by the Head ofService – Neighbourhood Pride, in conjunction with the lead member forHousing, may be allocated Special block points to reflect “reasonablepreference”, or accommodation appropriate to circumstances based onexisting points. The needs of other applicants will be considered inreaching decision on block points determination. Examples mightinclude further preference for Applicants failing to establish a legal rightto succession and Service Tenants of Corby Borough Council.

Failed Right to Succession Points

Where an applicant fails to succeed to a tenancy where there has 200been a previous succession and where the tenancy was their mainand principal home for at least the preceding 12 months.

Corby Borough Council Service Tenants Points

Within the 3 months prior to termination of employment up to 300(unless applicant is Intentionally Homeless) maximum(To be determined by a Principal Officer)

Housing Renewal Clearance Points

From time to time Corby Borough Council operates Regeneration 800Programmes for which it is necessary to rehouse residents withindesignated areas. For this purpose it will be necessary to utiliseallocation resources and award applicants with Housing Renewalpoints to assist with a swift move.

(*In Accordance With Entitlement & Priority) Appendix 1 to HA&L Policy

WHAT TYPE OF HOME AM I ENTITLED TO?

ApplicantType B

edsi

t

1 be

d Fl

at

2 be

d Fl

at

3 be

d Fl

at

4 be

d Fl

at

1 be

d M

ais

2 be

d M

ais

3 be

d M

ais

4 be

d M

ais

1 B

edB

unga

low

2 B

edB

unga

low

3 B

edB

unga

low

Gro

und

Floo

rG

rego

ry F

lat

Bed

sit

Shel

tere

d

1 B

ed F

lat

Shel

tere

d

2 B

ed H

ouse

3 B

ed H

ouse

4 B

ed H

ouse

5 B

ed H

ouse

Single person Under60

Single Person Over 60

Non-cohabiting Coupleunder 60

Married/cohabitingCouple under 60

Non-cohabiting Coupleover 60

Married/cohabitingCouple over 60

*Access Parents * * * * * *

Families with 1 child * * *Families with 2 children

Families with 3 children



Families with 6+children

Disabled Single Person * If over60

If over60

Disabled Couple If over60

Disabled Family * * * * * * * * * *

ENTITLEMENT AND PRIORITY FOR TYPES OF DWELLING

(Allocations will be in accordance withEntitlement - Appendix 1 and the Scale of Occupation – page 10)

1

APPENDIX 2 to HA&L Policy

Flat & Maisonettes

Studio Apartments &1 bed Flats

(Not Sheltered)

2 Bedroom Flats & Maisonettes

(Not Gregory)


(Not Gregory)


(Not Gregory)Priority Ground Floor Upper Floor Ground Floor Upper Floor Ground Floor Upper Floor Ground Floor Upper FloorHIGH↑

↓LOW

1) DisabledSingles /any*Couples

2) ElderlySingles /any*Couples

3) Singles &any*Couples

(all Categories on points)

1) Singles &any*Couples


1) Disabled*Couples

2) Elderly*Couples

3) *Couples,Families &AccessParents with1 / 2 children

4) Singles/ *otherCouples


1) *Couples,Families &AccessParents with1 / 2 children

2) Singles/*otherCouples


1) DisabledFamilies

2) ElderlyFamilies

3) Families &AccessParents with 2/ 3 children

4) *Couples5) Singles/

*otherCouples


1) Families &AccessParents with 2/ 3 children


*otherCouples


1) DisabledFamilies

2) ElderlyFamilies

3) Families &AccessParentswith 3 ormorechildren


*otherCouples


1) Families &AccessParents with3 or morechildren


*otherCouples


* Definition of the term “Couple” and “Other Couple”: A couple is determined as a pair of people living in a cohabiting relationship. An example ofthese may be a married couples or same sex couples. An” other couple” is determined as a pair of people who are residing together currently andwish to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. An example of these may be siblings, other relations or friends. All will be offered jointtenancies.



2

Family Houses

2 Bedroom Houses 3 Bedroom Houses 4 Bedroom Houses 5 Bedroom HousesPriorityHIGH↑

↓LOW

1) Families with 1/2 dependantaged children / Other families/ *Couples on points

1) Families with 2 / 3 / 4dependant aged children

2) Families with 1 / 2 dependantaged children

3) Other families and *Couples onpoints

1) Families with 3 / 4 / or moredependant aged children

2) Families with 2 / 3 / 4 dependantaged children


4) Other Families and *Couples

1) Families with 4 / or moredependant aged children

2) Families with 3 / 4 / or moredependant aged children

3) Families with 2 / 3 / 4dependant aged children


5) Other Families and *Couples

Bungalows (For Category 1, 2 and Group Dwellings applicants must be 50 or over)

1 Bedroom Bungalows 2, 3, 4 Bedroom BungalowsPriority

HIGH↑

↓LOW

1) Disabled Singles & *Couples2) Elderly Singles & *any Couples3) Other Singles & *any Couples

1) Disabled Families & *Couples2) Elderly Families &* Couples3) Other Families & *Couples4) *Other Couples5) Singles



3

Sheltered Accommodation

Category 2 Flats Category 1 BungalowsPriority Ground Floor Upper Floor

HIGH↑↓

LOW

1) Disabled (50 & over)2) Elderly (50 & over)

1) Elderly (50 & over) 1) Disabled2) Elderly (50 & over)

Gregory Flats

2 BedroomPriority Ground Floor Upper Floor

HIGH↑

↓LOW

1) Disabled *Couples2) Disabled Singles3) Elderly *Couples (50 & over)4) Elderly Singles (50 & over)5) Other *Couples over 505) Singles over 50

1) Elderly *Couples (50 & over)2) Elderly Singles (50 & over)3) Other *Couples over 504) Singles over 50

For all older persons accommodation, nominations will be made in the following manner: Applicants over the age of 60 will beconsidered first. If there is no demand from this age group, the over 50 years age group will be considered next.



4

Adapted, Suitable for Adaptation and Purpose Built properties for the Disabled(Except Category 1, 2 & Grouped Dwellings for the Elderly)

1 & 2 bedroom Flatsand Bungalows

3 & 4 Bed Flatsand Maisonettes

2-5 Bedroom Houses

Priority Ground Floor Upper Floor Ground Floor Upper Floor

HIGH↑

↓LOW

1) Disabled2) Elderly3) Singles & *any

Couples

1) Disabled2) Elderly3) *Any Couples &

Singles

1) Disabled2) Families3) *Couples4) *Other Couples5) Singles

1) Disabled2) Families3) *Couples3) *Other Couples4) Singles

1) Disabled2) Families with Children3) Other families4) *Couples

Appendix 3 to the Report

Access to Information

EnglishIf you need help understanding any of our documents or require a largerprint, audio tape copy or a translator to help you, we can arrange thisfor you. Please contact us on the telephone numbers at the bottom ofthe page:

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PortugueseSe precisar de assistência para compreender qualquer um dos nossosdocumentos ou se precisar deles em tipo grande, em cassete áudio oude um tradutor podemos tratar do assunto. Deve contactar-nos atravésdos números ao fundo da página:

RussianОбращайтесь в нашу организацию, если вы не понимаете какие-либо изнаших документов, или если вы желаете получить их отпечатаннымикрупным шрифтом или в аудиозаписи, а также, если вам нужна помощьпереводчика. Номера телефонов для обращения по этому вопросуприводятся в конце страницы:

01536 464000 or 01536 464631

Please answer ALL questions INFULL to avoid delay in registrationIf you require any assistance with completing this formplease ask at reception, we are happy to help.

1. First Applicant Male Female (please tick) Mr Mrs Ms Miss (please circle) Other___________

Surname: __________________________ Forename(s): ______________________________

Any Previous names: _________________ Mother’s maiden name: ______________________

Date of Birth: _____ / _____ / __________ National Insurance No: ______________________

Address of main place of residence: _____ Telephone No: Home / Work / Mobile (Please Circle)

___________________________________ _________________________________________

Post Code: _________________________

When did the above address become your main place of residence? ______/______/_______________

Total length of time spent in Corby: Years ______________ Months _______________

2. Second Applicant Male Female (please tick) Mr Mrs Ms Miss (please circle) Other___________

Surname: __________________________ Forename(s): ______________________________

Any Previous names: _________________ Mother’s maiden name: ______________________

Date of Birth: _____ / _____ / __________ National Insurance No: ______________________

Address of main place of residence: _____ Telephone No: Home / Work / Mobile (Please Circle)

___________________________________ _________________________________________

Post Code: _________________________

When did the above address become your main place of residence? ______/______/_______________

Total length of time spent in Corby: Years ______________ Months _______________

If No Fixed Abode, Address for correspondence: _________________________________________

OFFICE USE ONLY:

Registration ReferenceNumber:

Date Received:……/……/…………

Application input by: Initials: __________Category: ______________________________________Status: ________________________________________Reason for status if not Active: _____________________Letters sent (please state): ______________________________________________________________________

PointsLocal Connection: _____________Dependant(s) / Pregnancy:_______Current Tenure: _______________Other (Please state): _________________________________________

APPLICATION FORMFOR RENTED HOUSING

IN CORBY

3. Are you eligible to apply? YES NO

Have you, or anyone on this application, come from abroad to live in this countrywithin the last five years?

Have you, or anyone on this application, ever been evicted because of Anti-socialbehaviour?

Have you, or anyone on this application, a history of, or previous conviction foranti-social behaviour.

Do you, or anyone on this application, have any outstanding debt to the Councilfor any reason?

Have you, or anyone on this application, ever been evicted by any Landlord forrent arrears?

Have you, or anyone on this application, any outstanding debts with previouslandlords.

Do you have any outstanding County Court Judgements against you for breachof any tenancy conditions?

Have you, or anyone on this application, a history of threatening behaviourtowards Local Authority or Housing Association staff or tenants.

Have you, or anyone on this application, been convicted of a criminal, drugrelated or sex related offence.

If the answer is ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, please provide details here and further enquirieswill be made before your application is considered: _______________________________________

For Office Use Only:

Enquiries made:

Outcome:

Letter Sent to applicant:

4. Ethnic Origin

We are striving to ensure that our services are fair and equitable and meet the diverse needs of allcurrent and future customers. In order that this can happen we must accurately record data includingdetails of race, colour, ethnic or national origins. It is also useful to collect information on the age rangeof our customer base, as well as gender and disability. We do this in order that all people are givenequal consideration to help us plan for how you could shape future services.

Which of the following would you describe yourself as:

HERITAGE: 1st APPLICANT 2nd APPLICANT CHILDREN

a) White British Irish European

- EU - Non EU

Irish Traveller Romany Gypsy Any other white background

b) Black British European Caribbean African Somali Any other black background

c) Dual Heritage White & Black Caribbean White & Black African White & Asian Black & any other background Any other dual background

d) Asian British Indian Pakistani Bangladeshi

e) South East Asian British Chinese Japanese Vietnamese Any other South East Asian background

f) Any other ethnic group

Please describe ___________________________________________________________________

Which Language do you speak most fluently & regularly?

1st APPLICANT________________ 2nd APPLICANT ______________ CHILDREN _____________

5. What is your current housing situation?Please tick the box that reflects your situation.

Tenant of another local Authority Tied accommodation (with employment)Housing Association Tenant Family Support / RefugeOwner Tenant of a Private LandlordCohabiting with an owner With Friends / LodgingsIn Bed & Breakfast In a HostelWith Parents / Relatives In HospitalMember of H M Forces In a Mobile Home In Prison Homeless / Sleeping rough / NFAOther (Please state) ______________________________________________________________

Landlord’s details (please state landlord’s name, address and contact number): ________________

______________________________________________________________________________

6. Is your current home a: (Please tick relevant box)

House Maisonette Bungalow Single Room Flat

Caravan Bedsit Other (please state) ___________________________

How many bedrooms are there in the property?

Bedsit 1 2 3 4 More (please state) ___________________________

How many bedrooms have you got the use of (please state)? _____________________________

Do any other households live in, or have use of this property? _____________________________

If you live in a bedsit, flat or maisonette, what floor do you live on? (please tick box)

Ground 1st 2nd 3rd Other (Please state) _______________

If you have been given a date by which you must leave the property, please state: ___ / ___ / ____

7. Members of the household (Please give details of all of the people who need to be housed with youin a new address.)

Mr,Mrs,Miss,etc

First Name(s) Surname Date ofBirth

Sex Relationshipto Applicant

MaritalStatus

NationalInsuranceNumber

8. Housing history

Please state all previous addresses that you and the 2nd Applicant have lived in, with the most recentfirst. You must include any periods spent in prison, away in full time education or HM Forces.

1st Applicant TenureAddress Date from Date to Owner / Tenant /

Lodger / Relation1

To whom did this property belong? (Please give contact details)

2


3


4


5


6


2nd Applicant TenureAddress Date from Date to Owner / Tenant /

Lodger / Relation1


2


3


4


5


6


9. Medical need for housing

Is there anyone in your answer to question 7, who is pregnant?

If ‘yes’, please give the name of the expectant mother _______________________________________

Expected date the baby is due _____ / _____ / ___________ **Please enclose copy of the Maternity Certificate

If anyone on your in question 7, who has a medical condition, which is made worse by where you areliving, please provide details below:

Name Nature of illness How is this affected by your presenthousing?

Is anyone included on your application disabled? Yes No

If ‘yes’, please provide details: _________________________________________________________

Does anyone included on your application use a wheelchair? Yes No

If ‘yes’, who? _______________________________________________________________________

Does anyone included in question 7, have any other specialist support needs? Yes No

If ‘yes’, please tick the relevant box:

Learning difficulties Mental health Sensory impairment Other Physical impairment

Other (please state) _________________________________________________________________

10. Support worker

If you, or anyone on your application have, or has had, a Social Worker, Probation Officer, FloatingSupport Worker, Health Visitor, Occupational Therapist, Community Psychiatric Nurse, or other supportworker, please give details below:

Name of person(s) receiving support ____________________________________________________

Agency giving support _______________________________________________________________

Contact Details for Agency giving support:Name of Key Worker/Support Officer ____________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Telephone Number: _________________________________________________________________

11. Animals

Please give details of any pets that you wish to be housed with you _____________________________

12. Employment

Corby Borough Council needs to be aware of all ‘local connections’ relevant to this application tocomplete the final assessment of points. If you are employed, please state the name and address ofyour employer and how long you have worked there.

1st Applicant: _______________________________________________________________________

2nd Applicant: _______________________________________________________________________

If you are in receipt of benefits, please give details here:

1st Applicant: _______________________________________________________________________

2nd Applicant: _______________________________________________________________________

13. Property

If you or anyone on your application has, or has had, a financial interest in any property, it is essentialthat the following information be provided.

Name of Owner / Interested Party: _______________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

Date Purchased: _____ / _____ / __________ Date Sold*: _____ / _____ / __________

Name of Owner / Interested Party: _______________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

Date Purchased: _____ / _____ / __________ Date Sold*: _____ / _____ / __________

Relationship of 1st or 2nd Applicant, to the property noted above: ________________________________

*If sold, or if you have transferred your interest in a property to someone else but have a legal right toremain, please provide a copy of confirmation/documentation.

14. Requirements / Choices

Please tick required property types and the areas you would like to consider living in:

House Flat Maisonette Bungalow Garage/Parking space

Floor level: Ground 1st 2nd 3rd

Number of Bedrooms: Bedsit (0) 1 2 3 4 5

Areas: Beanfield – Becks Green [BB] Lodge Park - New [LN]Mantlefield [BM] Old [LO]North Lawns [BN] Old Village [OV]Steyning [BS]Woods End [BW] Poets - New [PN]

Dales [DA] Old [PO]Danesholme - East [DE] Shire Lodge [SL]

West [DW] Town Centre [TC]Oakley [DO] Welland Vale [WV]

Exeter [EX] Village - Cottingham [VC]Hazel Leys - North [HN] East Carlton [VE]

South [HS] Gretton [VG]Kingswood - Brookside [KB] Rockingham [VR]

Dunedin [KD] Stanion [VS]Lincoln [KL] Weldon [VW]

Lloyds – East [LE]West [LW]

Do you need Sheltered Accommodation with warden facilities? Yes No

Do you need assistance from a warden? (If so please provide details.) Yes No

If so, please tick required property types and the areas you would like to consider living in:

*Chatellerault Court [CHT] Borrowdale Road Bungalows [BOR]*Donald Greaves House (s) [DGH] Cannock Road Bungalows [CAN]*Earnest Wright House (b) [EWH] Dales – Gregory Flats [DAL]*George Blackall Court [GBC] Lodge Park Bungalows [LPK] Marlow Court [MAR] Ravenscourt [RAV] Oakley Court [OAK] Rockingham Road Bungalows [ROC]*Rankine House [RAN] St Andrew’s Walk Bungalows [STA]*Sykes Court (s) [SYK] St Peter’s Way Bungalows [STP]*Velbert House (s) [VEL]*Wollongong House [WOL]

* Indicates that the unit has a lift to the 1st floor (s) Indicates Shared bathrooms (b) Indicates Bedsits only

15. Alternative Housing

15a) Rental Opportunities:

Corby Borough Council works in partnership with local Housing Associations, who have properties insome of the areas above. Are you interested in being nominated to an association when a propertycomes available within your chosen areas? Yes No

As well as various properties scattered around Corby, there are areas / streets that have large groupingsof Housing Association Properties. Please indicate the areas that you are interested in, they are:

Ennerdale (Welland Vale Area) Halls Close (Weldon)Oakley Vale (Wick & Waver Close) Latymer Close (Gretton)Gainsborough Court (Hazel Leys) Town CentreDumble Close (Oakley Vale) Wick & Waver Close (Oakley Vale)

15b) Low cost Ownership:

Martin to insert information here

16. Additional Information

List of documents/evidence needed to process application:

Tick ifprovided

Necessary documentation Notes

Identification e.g. Birth Certificate, passport, driving licence,national insurance card.

If from outside of the UK, but within the EU, a passport andNational Insurance Number.If from outside the EU and seeking asylum, you need to bringoriginal Home Office PapersIf living with family or friends please supply the full names anddates of birth of all other family members you are living with(to assess overcrowding)If you have children over 18 years old or in full timeemployment you need to bring a letter from them confirmingthey wish to be housed with youIf you have children under 18 years old and in full timeeducation you need to bring your child benefit bookIf pregnant, you need to bring confirmation of pregnancy e.g. obstetrics card

If you have children that are not living with you full-time, youneed to bring formal confirmation of access arrangements

e.g. Solicitor’s letter, Court Order

If you own/or have owned/ or have an interest in a property,please provide proof of ownership/ sale/ interest/ release ofinterest.

e.g. Mortgage statements, solicitor’s letter,land registry documents.

You will need to provide details of all of your previousaddresses back to your last Council tenancy or your parentalhome and proof of current residency.

e.g. utility bill, bank statement

If you are losing your home you need to bring thedocumentation confirming this.

e.g. Court Order, legal agreement,repossession order, property transfer, writtenconfirmation from the lender/landlord/tenant

If you are a tenant, you need to bring a copy of your tenancyagreement or court order if required to leaveIf leaving the HM Forces you need to bring a copy of yourdischarge documentation and cessation papers if losingfamily quartersIf your property is in poor repair, you need to bring a copy ofthe closing order or a copy of the Environmental HealthRepairs notice.If you are leaving or have recently left prison, you need tobring a letter from your probation office or the prison servicesIf you need to move due to harassment you need to bringletters of supporting evidence.

e.g. police reports, crime numbers

If you are leaving care you need to bring a letter from socialservices

17. Declaration

Please read this carefully before you sign it

I/we hereby declare that the information given on this form is true and I/we understand that if I/we arefound to have withheld relevant information, or given false information, or fail to notify CBC’s HousingOptions Team of any changes in circumstances, then I/we may be liable to prosecution, exclusion fromthe Housing Register or forfeiture of any tenancy derived from this application.

I/we authorise Corby Borough Council to make any enquiries considered necessary within the Council,and of other Landlords or other agencies in order to verify the information on this application.

I/we authorise Corby Borough Council to disclose any information required by a Housing Association fornomination in the choices I/we have made.

In the event that I/we receive Housing Benefit, if arrears occur on the rent account, the Landlord maycontact the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit departments and discuss the claim in detail.

Both signatures are required in respect of married or cohabiting couples, who will be treated asjoint applicants and granted joint tenancies.

Signed – Applicant: _____________________________________ Date: _____ / _____ / __________

Signed – Joint Applicant: ________________________________ Date: _____ / _____ / __________

INFORMATION FOR OUR CUSTOMERSWhere do I return this form?

By post or hand deliver to: The Housing Options Team at Corby Borough Council, NeighbourhoodPride Services, Deene House, New Post Office Square, Corby, Northants, NN17 1GD.By e-mail to: [email protected]

What will happen next?• Your application will be processed and acknowledged within 5 working days, subject to all of the

required information being received.• You will be sent an acknowledgement letter and in this letter you will be advised of; the points you

have been awarded, the status of your application and if we require any further information.• We may need to write to current & former landlords to verify the information you have provided.• Once all information has been received we will write to you inviting you to make a convenient

appointment for your final assessment before your application is put into an active status awaitinghousing.

Please note: Completing this form correctly and in full will help us to process it quickly.

During the course of your application, you will…• be reviewed at least annually on the anniversary of the date you applied. Please contact a

member of the Housing Options Team on 01536 464631 if you do not receive a review form,as failure to respond will result in your application being cancelled.

Offers of accommodation:• Offers of accommodation will be made based upon eligibility, points accrued and in accordance

with Council Policy.

Where can I get further advice?• If you wish further advice about housing options in Corby please contact a member of the Housing

Options Team on 01536 464626 / 27 / 28 (For Special Needs Advice contact 01536 464630).• If you are about to lose your home or if you think you may lose your home soon, you must

contact a Housing Options Officer on 01536 464626 / 27 / 28 as they may be able to helpyou prevent this situation.

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:Documents Received /Checks Done

Received Sent for Date Notes

Applicants AdditionsFormProof of PregnancyBirth CertificateIDConfirmation of saleConfirmation ofrepossession/evictionPrison release date &confirmationPrevious addressesDOB ConfirmationDischarge PapersQualification –Immigration status /home officedocumentationProof of cohabitationOvernight access tochildrenProof of overcrowdingProof of localconnection /employment

Passed for Assessment

THE MAP BELOW SHOWS WHERE EACH ALLOCATION AREA IS

THIS SHOULD BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH A LARGER MAP TO IDENTFY THE STREETSWITHIN EACH BOUNDARY BELOW AND ADJACENT VILLAGE AREAS

Housing Allocations & Letting Policy – 6 Month Review

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Transcript of Housing Allocations & Letting Policy – 6 Month Review