Housing Allocations Policy

Overview

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) is reviewing its Housing Allocations Policy, which sets out who can join the Housing Register, how applications are assessed, how priority is awarded, and how available social housing is allocated.

The current policy was introduced in 2021. Since then, demand for social housing has increased significantly, while the number of properties becoming available has reduced. Between 2020 and 2025/26, the Housing Register increased from around 6,000 households to more than 24,000 households, while the number of properties available to let each year fell from approximately 1,977 to 1,268 properties.

The Housing Act 1996 requires councils to operate an Allocations Scheme that is fair, transparent and legally compliant. The law also requires councils to give reasonable preference to certain groups of applicants, including households who are homeless, living in unsuitable housing, have medical or welfare needs, or need to move to avoid hardship.

The proposed changes to the policy aim to:

• Create a more realistic Housing Register
• Better target social housing towards households with the greatest housing need
• Make best use of the limited supply of social housing
• Improve transparency and consistency in decision-making
• Create a more sustainable allocations scheme for the future

Before completing this survey, please review the accompanying presentation slides and the draft Housing Allocations Policy. These documents explain the current challenges facing the Housing Register, the evidence behind the proposed changes, and how the revised policy would operate in practice.

Key proposals include:

• Removing Band 5 from the Housing Register
• Introducing a means test for Housing Register eligibility
• Increasing the local connection requirement from 2 years to 5 years
• Removing additional priority currently given to households with children living in flats
• Increasing priority for households living in less suitable temporary accommodation
• Introducing time-limited direct offers in certain circumstances

For those who would like a more detailed understanding of the housing pressures, population trends and future demand for housing in Sandwell, we also encourage you to read the Housing Needs Assessment 2025. This document provides evidence on the current and future housing needs of residents, including households requiring care and support, people from global majority communities, and the expected demand for different types of housing across the borough. It also explains the wider challenges facing the local housing system and the need to ensure that limited social housing is allocated as fairly and effectively as possible.

We welcome feedback from residents, Housing Register applicants, tenants, leaseholders, partner organisations and other stakeholders. Your views will help us ensure the Housing Allocations Policy remains fair, transparent, practical and focused on those households with the greatest housing need.

This survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. All responses will be treated confidentially and will be considered as part of the Council's review of the Housing Allocations Policy.

Why your views matter

Your views matter. The Housing Allocations Policy determines who can access social housing in Sandwell, how priority is awarded, and how scarce housing resources are allocated. The decisions made through this policy can have a significant impact on individuals, families and communities across the borough.

Demand for social housing has increased substantially in recent years, while the number of homes available to let has decreased. As a result, the Council is proposing a number of important changes to ensure the Housing Register remains fair, sustainable and focused on those in greatest housing need.

By taking part in this consultation, you can:

• Help shape the future Housing Allocations Policy for Sandwell.
• Share your views on the proposed changes and their potential impact.
• Tell us whether you think the proposals are fair, practical and easy to understand.
• Help ensure the policy reflects the needs and experiences of local residents and stakeholders.
• Influence how limited social housing is allocated in the future.

Whether you are currently on the Housing Register, a council tenant, leaseholder, housing applicant, support organisation or interested resident, your feedback will help the Council make informed decisions before the policy is finalised.

Thank you for taking the time to have your say. Your response will play an important role in helping us develop a fair, transparent and sustainable Housing Allocations Policy for Sandwell.