Bands and criteria

 

Which band will I be in?

There will be two bands: Band 1 and Band 2.

Applicants with high need as defined under band 1 will only need to match one of the criteria to qualify for band 1.

Anyone who falls into band 2 can have multiple needs which will be awarded points. Applicants who are in band 2 will stay in band 2 and will not progress into band 1.

See below for the criteria to qualify for each band.

Band 1 (urgent need for rehousing)

Band 2 (non-urgent need for rehousing)

 

Decants: Transfer Applicants only, where the property is required for development or regeneration of an area or major works are required which cannot be carried out with the tenant in occupation.

Emergencies: Transfer Applicants only, defined as fire, flood etc where the tenant would be endangered if they were to remain in the property because it is dangerous or unsafe.

Serious Harassment or Physical Violence (including Racial Harassment): Must be supported by the Area Manager and can only be awarded priority in cases where the harassment is so serious that the tenant cannot remain in the property, and all other measures outlined in the Nuisance and ASB have been exhausted or deemed unreasonable. If an offer cannot be made within a reasonable period a referral should be made to the LA.

Urgent medical: where a member of the household cannot return to their present accommodation or it is unreasonable for them to remain where they are, because it is unsuitable or to do so would seriously effect their physical or mental health; or a property cannot be adapted for a disabled persons needs. Medical conditions justifying this priority would include severe or acute disability, which may render an applicant  housebound or technically homeless. Supporting medical evidence must accompany the application.

Trauma or Serious Social Reasons: this is defined as serious incidents in or around the home, such as incidents of sexual abuse or violent or accidental death, where to remain in the home would cause undue hardship or distress. Supporting evidence would be required from Police, GP or Social Services.

Under-Occupation: where an existing tenant wishes to transfer to a smaller property and they are currently under-occupying by one or more bedrooms. Also includes statutory successions in this circumstance.

Overcrowding: Statutory Overcrowding - at least two bedrooms short of Statutory Guidelines. This must be supported by an Environmental Health letter confirming statutory overcrowding.

 

Less urgent Medical: where the current accommodation does not have a serious detrimental effect on a medical condition, but a medical condition may be improved by rehousing.

Non-Statutory Overcrowding: where the need for additional bedrooms has been identified, but applicants are not statutorily overcrowded. This would include additional bedrooms required on medical grounds for those that would normally share.

Like for Like: need or wish to move to the same size/type of property in a different location. Applicants should also be advised to pursue a mutual exchange. (This includes families who are currently occupying a flat who wish to move to a house).

Relationship breakdown: where one party is required to leave the home because of a relationship breakdown

Threatened with homelessness: where the applicant is required to leave the property within the next three months

Local Connection: where the applicant has a connection to the estate e.g. family living on the estate or involvement in the local residents group.

Lack of facilities and sharing facilities: where the current accommodation has limited facilities or where the applicant is required to share facilities with none family members

Separated families: where larger accommodation is required because families are living separately due to current living conditions.