Housing Allocations Policy

Page 1 of 4

Closes 17 Dec 2026

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Allocations Policy Questions

1. Before taking part in this consultation, how familiar were you with how social housing is allocated in Sandwell?
2. Having read the draft Housing Allocations Policy, how clear and easy was it to understand?

Please tell us if there were any parts of the policy that were unclear or could be improved:

3. The Council is proposing to remove Band 5 from the Housing Register. What is your view of this proposal?

Band 5 currently includes households with little or no recognised housing need. The proposal aims to create a smaller and more realistic Housing Register focused on households with a recognised housing need and a realistic prospect of accessing social housing.

Please explain your answer:

4. The Council is proposing to introduce a means test for access to the Housing Register. What is your view of this proposal?

This would help ensure social housing is targeted towards households who have the greatest housing need and the fewest alternative housing options available to them.

Please explain your answer:

5. The Council is proposing to increase the local connection requirement from 2 years to 5 years. What is your view of this proposal?

This would give greater priority to households with stronger connections to Sandwell whilst maintaining statutory exemptions where required.

Please explain your answer:

6. The Council is proposing to remove the additional priority currently given to households with children living in flats and instead focus priority on assessed housing need. What is your view of this proposal?

Please explain your answer:

7. The Council is proposing to give greater priority to households living in less suitable temporary accommodation, such as bed and breakfast accommodation, overcrowded temporary accommodation, or households staying with family or friends because they have nowhere else to live. What is your view of this proposal?

Please explain your answer:

8. The Council is proposing to introduce time-limited direct offers for some applicants with urgent housing needs or where rehousing has been delayed. What is your view of this proposal?

Applicants would still be able to bid through the Choice Based Lettings Scheme.

Please explain your answer:

9. Overall, do you agree with the proposed direction of travel for the Housing Allocations Policy?

The proposals are intended to create a more realistic Housing Register, make better use of the limited supply of social housing and increase priority for households with the greatest housing need. What is your view of this proposal?

Please explain your answer:

10. Do you think the proposed changes will create a fairer and more transparent Housing Allocations Scheme?
(Required)

Please explain your answer:

11. What do you think Sandwell Council should do to reduce housing waiting times and help address pressures on the Housing Register?