Caerphilly Council approves plans to improve social housing application process

A review of the existing Common Allocation Policy was completed in 2024, which looked at applications and lettings data and considered what changes needed to be made.  Applicants on the Caerphilly Common Housing Register were then invited to give their views on the proposed changes to the policy; Cabinet will consider this feedback as part of the proposals.

Changes to the policy include:

• Revising the priority banding scheme; increasing the number of priority award bands from 3 to 5.  Providing a band for people requiring accommodation in emergency situations and a separate band to manage applicants with a reduced level of priority.
• Adopting a ‘choice-based lettings’ approach to the way properties are let.
• Reducing the number unreasonable refusals from 3 to 2.
• Providing greater transparency on how ineligible applicants are treated.
• Reducing some of the barriers people experience when looking for housing due to an existing debt.
• Uprating the existing financial resources figures to today’s values.
• Uprating the residential property owners’ figures to today’s values and amending some of the criteria.
• Offsetting the impact on those people affected by the proposed changes by providing a 12-month window before the changes come into effect.

Cllr Shayne Cook, Cabinet Member for Housing at Caerphilly Council, said “An extensive review has been carried out which highlighted areas for improvement, to make it easier and fairer for people to apply for social housing, and at the same time help address the housing crisis.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the survey, which saw a considerable response which demonstrates how key an issue this is to our communities.”

Changes are expected to be implemented from 31^st October 2025.

The full report can be found here:  Common Allocation Policy 2025.pdf