Housing Allocation Policy 2026

The Housing Allocation Policy 2026 is the statutory scheme by which Ambridge District Council determines priorities in the allocation of social housing within its area, fulfilling the Council’s obligations under Part VI of the Housing Act 1996, as amended by the Localism Act 2011. Adopted by Cabinet on 5 March 2026 and in force from 1 April 2026, the Policy governs access to the Ambridge HomeChoice Register — the common housing register operated by the Council in partnership with the housing associations active in the district — and sets out the principles and procedures by which available social housing lettings are advertised, bid upon, and allocated.

The Policy establishes clear eligibility criteria, setting out who may apply to the Register and identifying the limited grounds on which applicants may be excluded — including persons subject to certain immigration controls, those who have been guilty of serious unacceptable behaviour as a tenant, persons with unresolved tenancy debt above £500, and those who own suitable property. The Policy is explicit that these exclusion criteria will be applied in a proportionate and evidence-based manner, with a right of review in all cases.

At the heart of the Policy is a four-band priority system. Band A (Urgent) covers applicants facing the most acute housing need, including victims of domestic abuse, those with life-threatening medical need, and households in severely dangerous conditions. Band B (High) addresses significant need, including serious overcrowding and disability-related adaptation requirements. Band C (Medium) covers moderate need, including under-occupation and unsuitable private tenancies. Band D is the general waiting list for all other eligible applicants.

The Policy includes a local connection requirement, reserving a minimum of 85% of available lettings for applicants with a qualifying connection to the Ambridge district through residence, employment, or close family ties. An equalities monitoring framework and an independent appeal and review mechanism are embedded throughout.The Housing Allocation Policy 2026 is the statutory scheme by which Ambridge District Council determines priorities in the allocation of social housing within its area, fulfilling the Council’s obligations under Part VI of the Housing Act 1996, as amended by the Localism Act 2011. Adopted by Cabinet on 5 March 2026 and in force from 1 April 2026, the Policy governs access to the Ambridge HomeChoice Register — the common housing register operated by the Council in partnership with the housing associations active in the district — and sets out the principles and procedures by which available social housing lettings are advertised, bid upon, and allocated.

The Policy establishes clear eligibility criteria, setting out who may apply to the Register and identifying the limited grounds on which applicants may be excluded — including persons subject to certain immigration controls, those who have been guilty of serious unacceptable behaviour as a tenant, persons with unresolved tenancy debt above £500, and those who own suitable property. The Policy is explicit that these exclusion criteria will be applied in a proportionate and evidence-based manner, with a right of review in all cases.

At the heart of the Policy is a four-band priority system. Band A (Urgent) covers applicants facing the most acute housing need, including victims of domestic abuse, those with life-threatening medical need, and households in severely dangerous conditions. Band B (High) addresses significant need, including serious overcrowding and disability-related adaptation requirements. Band C (Medium) covers moderate need, including under-occupation and unsuitable private tenancies. Band D is the general waiting list for all other eligible applicants.

The Policy includes a local connection requirement, reserving a minimum of 85% of available lettings for applicants with a qualifying connection to the Ambridge district through residence, employment, or close family ties. An equalities monitoring framework and an independent appeal and review mechanism are embedded throughout.