Bromsgrove District Council has confirmed changes to how residents apply for and bid on affordable housing in the district. A new housing register and allocation system called Bromsgrove Home Choice will replace the current Home Choice Plus this summer.
The council says the change will make the process clearer and fairer, and bring it in line with current housing legislation. It follows updates to the Allocations Policy after public consultation in December and January.
How the new system works
The updated policy introduces six clear priority bands. The highest band is reserved for those in greatest need. Lower priority is given to applicants without a local connection to the district.
The new system offers increased support for people moving on from supported accommodation. Income thresholds have also been updated.
The policy now prioritises those with a local connection, and includes exceptional circumstances such as fleeing domestic abuse, leaving care, or being a current or former member of the armed forces.
What existing applicants need to do
Because the new register uses new criteria, old applications cannot carry over. All applicants on the current housing register must reapply.
Bromsgrove District Council is writing to all existing applicants with instructions on how to reapply. A transition period begins on August 17.
From August 17, only existing applicants on Home Choice Plus can continue bidding on that system. The last advertisement of properties on the old system will be on September 15, with bidding ending on September 21.
All new and reapplications must be made on the new system from August 17. Homes will start being advertised for bidding on October 6.
Councillor Sue Baxter, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, said: "If you are on the current register look out for your email or letter telling you how you can re-apply on the new system starting from August 17. If you register before October 1 and your circumstances are the same, you'll keep your existing effective date, so you won't lose any waiting time."
She added: "Please reapply early so you will be ready to bid on homes when the new system goes live, and if you need help, contact our partners at bdht so that you can receive support."
Support available
People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will be supported directly by bdht throughout the transition.
For full information and guidance, visit www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/housing-register. For support from bdht, call 0800 085 0160.
