Housing Allocations Policy consultation outcome

The consultation on the review of the Housing Allocations Policy has been completed. Here’s a summary of the second and final phase of consultation and what happens next.

Consultation activity

The second phase of consultation involved direct communication with almost 10,000 residents on the housing register who were again invited to take part. Alongside the online survey, events, workshops and stakeholder meetings were held with the public, partners, elected members and our Registered Housing Providers and residents' groups. A total of 542 survey responses were received.

Overall, feedback demonstrated broad support for the draft Housing Allocations Policy. Most comments focused on areas where further clarification, additional guidance or minor amendments were required rather than significant changes to the policy's direction.

Qualification / disqualification from the housing register

Feedback showed general support for introducing a local connection requirement, reflecting concerns about the limited availability of housing. Respondents and the Registered Housing providers highlighted the need for greater clarity around the treatment of rental arrears, exceptional circumstances such as domestic abuse, behavioural issues, and the rules for qualifying for and remaining on the housing register. As a result, minor amendments were made to strengthen policy wording, clarify repayment expectations, improve guidance on joint applications, clarify removal from register for not bidding and update terminology relating to the Armed Forces.

Housing bands

Consultation respondents supported prioritising applicants with the greatest housing need, particularly those experiencing homelessness, urgent medical needs or domestic abuse. Stakeholders requested clearer guidance on evidence requirements for banding decisions. Following feedback, a number of clarifications were made to the policy, including updates to medical evidence requirements, domestic abuse provisions, welfare-related housing need criteria and recognition of kinship carers. These changes are designed to improve transparency and ensure priority is given to those with the most significant housing needs.

Approach to balanced and sustainable communities

Respondents supported the principle of creating balanced and sustainable communities and highlighted the importance of increasing the availability of affordable housing and housing choice across County Durham. Registered Providers also supported a flexible approach that helps maintain sustainable communities. In response to feedback, the policy was updated to provide greater clarity on the use of Local Lettings Policies, including their application to rural housing areas and circumstances where there is a shortage of affordable housing.

Other

Registered Providers suggested retaining key procedural information from the existing Housing Allocations Policy to help applicants better understand how decisions are made. As a result, supporting appendices covering property entitlement, making an offer, and medical evidence list have been incorporated into the new policy.

What happens now?

A delegated decision by the Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth in conjunction with the Portfolio Holders for Planning, Investment and Assets and for Communities and Civic Resilience has now been made to approve a new Housing Allocations Policy which includes the amends outlined above.

The new policy will be implemented from February 2027. People currently on the housing register and existing tenants will be contacted in due course.

You can read the full report which informed the Delegated Decision , and/or read the associated press release.