Local authorities have ultimate responsibility for how social housing is allocated, which includes council-owned homes and those owned by housing associations and social landlords like Be One Homes.
Introduction:
The way social housing in the UK is allocated, and how those decisions are made, is often complex.
Local authorities and housing organisations have to try and match a limited supply of housing with growing number of people in urgent need for a home.
While it won’t always feel fair from the outside, there are clear rules and checks that ensure decisions are based on people’s individual circumstances.
Below the process is explained and some common myths dispelled about who is prioritised for social housing.
Frequently asked questions about how social housing is allocated:
Who is responsible for allocating social housing?
How is eligibility for social housing decided?
Each local authority develops its own allocation scheme outlining its eligibility criteria and how it will prioritise applications.
These housing allocation schemes must comply with UK law, specifically The Housing Act 1996, as well as statutory guidance from the housing regulator.
How do I apply for social housing?
New applicants for social housing should apply to their local council in the first instance.
If accepted, they’ll be placed on a housing register and will be eligible to apply for housing through their council’s choice-based lettings system which has details of all the social housing that’s available in that local council area.
In Bolton, the choice-based lettings system where people apply for social housing is Homes for Bolton. This website also contains full details of Bolton Council’s allocations policy and guidance on how to apply for social housing in Bolton.
You can tap here for more information on applying for a home using a choice-based lettings system.
Learn more about housing:
Our website also includes frequently asked questions about our new build development programme and what we do with our empty properties. You can:
Learn about what we do with empty properties
We know it can be frustrating to see empty properties when people need homes. Here’s what happens and why.
Learn about our new build development programme
We're increasing the supply of affordable housing to help ease housing waiting lists, provide more family homes and help customers who want to downsize.
