The way social homes are allocated to residents on the housing register has changed to make sure the system supports those who need a new home most.
The changes to the system will come into force today (Tuesday 3 November) following a major public consultation last year, which attracted around 2,500 responses.
Social housing will still be managed through the Council’s Manchester Move system, which allows residents to bid for available homes against a set of rules.
However, the criteria have been reviewed to better react to emerging housing issues – such as increased levels of homelessness – at a time when the turnover of social homes is decreasing.
This means there are more people choosing to join the housing register and fewer homes are becoming available.
While the Council is moving to increase the number of social homes in the city, the allocations policy has been changed to ensure the policies better support vulnerable people.
Anyone whose current position on the housing register is impacted by the review has already been contacted by their social landlord to explain the changes.
The key changes include:
– Improve housing opportunities for homeless residents
– Introducing a two-year residency rule to apply to be on the housing register. Previous requirement was simply to have a Manchester address.
– Most homeowners will no longer be able to join the housing register, bringing Manchester in line with other local authorities
– The saving limit for applicants will be reduced from £75k to £30k to bring more in line with other local authorities
– Residents facing domestic violence will continue to be placed in the highest bands for rehousing.
– Award different levels of priority for different levels of overcrowding.
People with a current Manchester Move application will not need to apply again. Some people might be asked to provide some additional information so that their application is in the highest band that it can be.
Manchester has around 65,000 social rent homes, circa 30% of all housing stock in Manchester. However, demand is high across the city, with more than 6,500households currently on the register in priority need.
By law, the City Council must agree principles and rules around who qualifies to be put on the housing register and how they are prioritised to receive a social home.
Cllr Suzanne Richards, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation. We had a big response from people across the city and their insight has been extremely useful when reviewing the rules around social housing allocations.
“Although the Council is working with partners to increase the number of social homes in the city, the number of people choosing to join the register is also increasing – whilst at the same time the number of homes becoming available is decreasing. So, it’s important that we have an allocation policy that helps those most in need – and is as fair as possible.
“For the vast majority of people, the changes won’t affect their position on the housing register and their application for social housing will not change – but it’s important that everyone checks their information to ensure it is accurate and up to date.
“There is very good advice on the Manchester Move website about bidding and about other housing options, but if you have any concerns or questions, get in touch with your landlord or housing provider.”
