RESIDENTS in Rother are being encouraged to give their views on proposed changes to the council’s housing allocations policy.

The council is consulting on changes to its allocation policy, which sets out the rules used to decide if someone can apply for social housing and how high they would be placed on the housing register, depending on their individual needs.

People have until 9am on Monday, September 4 to give their views on the proposals.

There have been significant changes in housing law since the council’s housing allocation policy was last reviewed and the planned changes ensure the policy reflects the new legislation, particularly regarding eligibility and homelessness prevention.

The proposed policy revisions will also help reduce the number of clients on the housing register and ensure social housing goes to those in greatest need.

Cllr Ruairi McCourt, portfolio holder for housing at Rother District Council, said: “Across Rother the demand for affordable housing outweighs supply. The planned changes to the council’s housing allocation policy will help ensure the limited properties available are allocated fairly and to those in the most urgent need of housing support.

“The proposed changes will affect anyone applying for social housing, and we would like to hear from housing applicants and residents living in social housing, as well as businesses, voluntary groups and local organisations connected to affordable housing.

“I encourage local people who might be impacted by the proposals to take part in the consultation and to share their views with us.”  

People can find out more and take part in the consultation online by visiting www.rother.gov.uk/consultations/housing-allocations-policy-2023/

Feedback can also be submitted by emailing consultations@rother.gov.uk or by writing to Consultations: Housing Allocations Policy Consultation, Corporate Policy and Projects, Rother District Council, Town Hall, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN39 3JX.

Published: 4th August 2023