Council asks Carmarthenshire residents to have their say on social home allocation

CARMARTHENSHIRE County Council is asking residents to have their say on the way social homes are allocated in the county.

Last year (20 February 2023), the Council’s Cabinet approved an Emergency Allocations Policy to help address the unprecedented situation where the Council, as with all Welsh Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords, was facing increased demand for social housing that exceeded the level of supply.

Following the successful pilot of the Emergency Allocations Policy, the Council is now looking to mainstream their new approach of allocating social housing and is seeking views on the changes they have made in the Emergency Policy.

The Emergency Allocation Policy includes:

· Changes to those considered to be in urgent housing need

· Enabling homes to be directly matched to suitable applicants who are in most need

· Prioritising allocations to those with a community connection to a particular area

· Allowing the Council to register particular groups of people under a ‘no preference’ category

· Requiring applicants to re-register every six months

The Social Housing Allocations Policy outlines the way in which social housing is allocated in Carmarthenshire, operating a common approach with other registered social landlords (Housing Associations) who operate within the county.

Cllr Linda Evans Davies, Cabinet Member for Homes said: “The Emergency Allocations Policy adopted last year has enabled the Council to provide suitable homes to those in greatest need more quickly than ever before. We are now seeking the views of residents to help shape the existing policy and make important updates to the way we allocate homes to those who need them most.”

To have your say on the way social housing is allocated in Carmarthenshire visit Carmarthenshire.gov.wales. To request a paper copy of the policy and/or the consultation e-mail SCHOptions@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or call 01267 234567.