A new policy for Allocating Council Houses

Following an extensive consultation, the Council has introduced a new policy, for the allocation of council houses.

Amongst the most far-reaching changes is the implementation of a 'groups and points' system. This allows us to have separate groups to meet specific needs.

Housing need figures more strongly in the new process than the old, with the removal of waiting time and a transfer-led focus. An emphasis on building Sustainable Communities is another new feature of the policy and local lettings plans are being developed to identify local requirements.

A local lettings plan operates alongside the Council's needs-based allocation policy. The plan allocates vacancies according to the particular circumstances of the estate or area, by letting to a household that will contribute to the sustainability of that community.

The overall aim of the policy is to meet our legal obligations and house those with the highest levels of need. A copy of the policy is attached below.

In addition you will find a leaflet explaining the new policy, alongside others about cancellations, suspensions/exclusions from the housing list and appeals, in the box on the right hand side of this page. Information about our lettings areas, and details of our transfer incentive scheme are also available.

Housing Allocations Policy, East Lothian Council

Press Release, ELC Housing Allocations Policy change