Council to consult on proposed changes to Housing Allocation Policy

The Executive agreed to consult on plans to remove those in the lowest priority – Bands 4 and 5 – from the waiting list as they are already housed and not with a recognised housing need. Since 2020, just 0.1 per cent of Band 4 applicants were rehoused and nobody in Band 5 was rehoused during that time.

During the meeting on Wednesday, December 18, members heard how the plan would help prioritise those most in need who are facing homelessness or living in B & B accommodation.

Nothing has been formally decided yet, but the consultation with the public is planned to go live on January 6, 2025. Everyone will be given the chance to have their say on the proposed changes.

The Council currently have 6,500 people on the Council’s Housing Register.

Under the 1996 Housing Act, the Council is asked to give preference’ to homeless people, those in ‘unsatisfactory’ conditions, people who need to move on medical or welfare grounds or disability and those in need to move to avoid hardship.

Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:

“Boroughs across the country – including Trafford – are facing massive challenges with housing allocation. We have a duty to prioritise those who have the greatest housing need and the removal of Bands Four and Five from the list will help us do that."