Barnet Council would like to hear your views on proposed amendments to the set of rules used to decide who gets priority for housing in the borough.
The proposed amendments include:
- Making only one offer of a suitable property rather than the current position where some applicants may get up to two offers. There is a limited supply of social and private sector housing available for the council to let and it has to be realistic about the amount of options it can offer to people.
- The introduction of placements policy. This will consider the suitability of offers of private rented sector homes in terms of housing condition, distance from work or support networks and also affordability of the rent. This may see some households moving into more affordable areas outside of the borough where they can afford to pay the rent.
You can find the full details here, including a link to an online survey and other ways to make comments. Please make your responses by the closing date of 7th August 2013.
These proposals build upon the scheme that was introduced in April 2011. This saw a series of major reforms, including closing a wasteful housing waiting list and recognising the contribution applicants in housing need make to the community (e.g.: working).
The proposals apply mainly to new applicants but if existing tenants apply for a transfer in the future then they may be affected by the proposals.