Applying for a Council House
If you would like to apply for a Council house, please call 0845 055 7070 (select
option 4).
Housing Allocations Policy
Information you need if you are on the housing waiting list or wish to apply for a Council property.
In November 2006 we changed the way that properties are allocated to applicants on the housing waiting list.
This question and answer section is designed to provide you with the information you will need to understand how properties are now allocated.
- Why the change?
Research showed that:
- Both the Council and our customers wanted this change.
- Legislation has changed, so we need to make some alterations to comply with it.
- The current way we allocate properties is difficult for our customers to understand.
- The current way we allocate properties has led to an imbalance in who is housed.
- What is better about the new system?
The new policy:
- Is focused on our customers and takes account of a wide range of needs.
- Is clear and easier to follow for customers and staff.
- Allows the customer a greater choice.
- Takes account of legislation and best practice.
- Why is it better for me as a customer?
- It's easier to get onto the waiting list. Anyone aged 16 years and over can apply (unless they are governed by immigration control).
- There are now fewer restrictions on the type of properties that applicants can apply for - for example a single person can apply for a 2-bedroom property.
- A child over the age of 8 is entitled to a bedroom of their own, regardless of the gender of others in the household.
- For applicants on the general list there are now no restrictions on how many properties you can be offered and refuse.
- What do I have to do to make an application?
Contact the Letting Team who will be happy to provide you with an application pack and any further information and assistance.
You will need to provide us with information so that we can assess your application including:
- Personal details such as age, gender and relationships between you (the applicant) and members of your household
- Your current housing circumstances, in particular, evidence of insecurity of tenure (if you are likely to loose your home), homelessness or potential homelessness, overcrowding or below the tolerable standard/lacking amenities
- Any particular housing requirements resulting from health, care or support needs, such as mobility problems (where this affects the type of accommodation required).
We may also ask you for some supporting information, we will tell you what we need and why.
- Can I get help to complete the form?
Yes. Our staff will be happy to guide you through completion of the form, please feel free to contact us.
- How are properties allocated?
The new system is based on bands, points and quotas. Everyone making an application will be assessed and placed in the appropriate band, according to their circumstances.
Properties are then allocated to each band according to pre-set quotas. The quotas ensure that applicants in every band will have an opportunity to be housed.
You will receive information about which band you have been placed in (some bands attract points which we would also let you know about).
- What are the bands?
Band 1
This will be the smallest band and is only for circumstances where:
- Council houses are going to be demolished,
- Council approved regeneration projects are taking place.
- To release properties which are needed for other applicants with high needs.
Band 2
This band will be made up of:
- Those who are accepted as statutorily homeless & in priority need.
- Households over crowded by two or more bedrooms.
- Applicants who have severe medical problems which will be alleviated by rehousing.
- Where the property occupied does not have basic amenities and is in serious disrepair.
Band 3
- Statutorily homeless but not in priority need - the homeless team can explain what this means to you.
- Applicants who are not secure in their current accommodation.
- Households overcrowded by one bedroom.
- Applicants who have moderate medical needs which will be alleviated by rehousing.
- Where the property occupied does not have basic amenities and is in moderate disrepair.
Band 4
All other applicants will be placed in band 4.
- How do you decide who in the band is offered a house?
Band 1
Applications will be held in date order.
Band 2
Applicants will be given priority by the points they receive and then by the length of time they have been on that Band.
Band 3
Applicants will be given priority by the points they receive and then by the length of time they have been on that Band.
Band 4
Applicants in this band do not receive points.
- How are points allocated?
We have set priorities within the bands and this creates a queue in the band.
In Bands 1 and 4, applicants are placed in a queue in order of date of application.
Band 1
In Band 1 there is the potential for more than one applicant to have the same date of assessed need: for example, where a number of households are required to move because of a regeneration project involving more than one property.
If this happens, the Council will prioritise applicants by the length of time they have lived in the property from which they are required to move.
Bands 2 and 3
Applicants in Bands 2 and 3 are awarded points which reflect the type and degree of need which they have.
In addition they are also awarded points reflecting the time they have waited since the Council assessed these needs. These are referred to as 'time in need' points and these are measured from the point at which an applicant is placed in a particular Band.
The points awarded for the different types and levels of need are set out in the table below.
Type of Need Degree of Need Points Statutory Homelessness Priority Need 14 points Non-priority Need 8 points Insecurity Insecure Accommodation 8 points Overcrowding 2 or more bedrooms short 12 points 1 bedroom short 6 points Health/Care/Support Severe 14 points Moderate 6 points Lacking Amenities / Poor Condition Lacking amenities / disrepair serious 12 points Lacking amenities / disrepair moderate 6 points Time in Need 3 or more years 4 points 2 years 3 points 1 year 2 points 6 months 1 point Additional notes
When two applications for housing are received from the same household, both parties may be assessed as overcrowded. Points will be awarded to both applicants until one is rehoused. If rehousing one applicant/household means that the other is no longer overcrowded, priority will no longer apply to the remaining applicant.
Where there is health/care/support need for more than one member of the household, the needs of the relevant members will be assessed and the highest priority given to the member of the household with the highest need.
- What do you mean by quotas?
The Band which will have priority in offers will be decided in line with agreed quotas.
A quota of vacant properties will be allocated to each of the four Bands annually.
The purpose of quotas is to enable as many applicants as possible, including those in Band 4, to have an opportunity of receiving an offer. The quotas will be set so that applicants with more urgent needs have an opportunity to be re-housed more quickly.
The quotas will be reviewed at least once a year and any changes will be reported to Council Committee. Quotas will take account of:
- The number of applicants in each Band and their size of household
- Different relative needs of applicants in each Band, with applicants in Band 1 receiving highest relative priority and applicants in Band 4 receiving the lowest relative priority.
- The agreed quota will establish which priority Band is to be given preference for an offer.
The number of properties that will be allocated to each Band may vary, as the quota set will be relative to the number of people seeking housing within each Band.
- Who can apply for housing?
The Council is keen to encourage people looking for housing to make an application. Most people will be eligible for housing and would be accepted on to the Council's list.
There are some circumstances when an application may be refused. The main circumstances are where:
- The applicant is under 16 years of age
- The applicant's status is governed by immigration control
- The applicant is not habitually resident and does not have a right to reside in the U.K, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Republic of Ireland.
Applicants will be notified in writing if their application is being refused and will be given reasons for the refusal. The applicant will have the right to appeal the Council's decision.
- What size and type of housing can I apply for?
The Council is committed to giving you as much choice as possible in the size and type of housing which you can apply for. To make best use of the housing which is available there will be some limits to the choices that you can make.
The following is a guide to the size of housing which different households can apply for.
Household Size of Housing Single person 1 or 2 bedroom properties Couple 1 or 2 bedroom properties Couple, or single parent, with 1 child 2 bedroom properties Couple, or single parent, with 2 children under 8 years 2 bedroom properties Couple, or single parent, with 2 children with at least one of whom is 8 years or older 3 bedroom properties Couple, or single parent, with 3 children, where at least 2 children are under 8 years 3 bedroom properties Couple, or single parent, with 3 children, where at least 2 children are 8 years or over 4 bedroom properties Couple, or single parent, with 4 children, all of whom are over 8 years 5 bedroom properties Preference will be given in accordance with the table above however the Council recognises that people looking for housing have many different circumstances and there may be important reasons for some households to have a property larger than is indicated in the table above. Applicants may be considered for properties larger than those shown in the table above, subject to availability, for example if an extra bedroom is required on health/ care/support grounds.
While all applications will be assessed on the number of bedrooms required, the Council may also allocate a property with fewer bedrooms than is needed if this will improve the housing situation of the applicant and depending on circumstance.
Any qualifying circumstances must be approved by the Head of Housing. We will not allocate a property under these circumstances if it results in statutory overcrowding.
- What type of housing can you offer Me?
The Council has a range of different types of housing across Clackmannanshire and in most instances you can choose which type of property you would like.
It is however important to note that the choices you can make will be limited by what is available. In particular, you may wish to consider the following:
- Well over half of the properties which become available for letting each year are flats - either traditional flats, 4 in a block or maisonettes. Only a quarter of the properties which become empty are houses. This means that applicants are likely to wait longer for a house.
- The smaller properties - 1 and 2 bedrooms are more likely to be flats.
There are some properties in Clackmannanshire which are only available for applicants with particular needs. This can include some housing for older people and housing for people with mobility difficulties. Applicants will be asked about any particular needs they may have when they apply, and these needs will be assessed as part of the application process.
- Can I choose a particular location?
You can express an interest in housing in any part of Clackmannanshire. However, the Council has more properties in some parts of the county. The number of properties available in an area can affect the length of time you may wait for a suitable property to become available.
You will be given detailed advice about the realistic housing opportunities available in order to help you make the choices which best suit their particular circumstances.
- If I am in arrears with my rent will this affect my chance of being offered a house?
If you have rent arrears or other tenancy related debt this may lead to you (including transfer applicants) being suspended from receiving offers.
If you have rent arrears or other tenancy related debt for your current or any previous tenancies you had, the Council will not suspend you from receiving an offer in the following circumstances:
- You were not the tenant of the house, or
- Your debt is not linked to the tenancy of the house (e.g. council tax arrears), or
- You had rent arrears or tenancy related debt on a current or former tenancy, but you have now paid these in full, or
- The amount of arrears or tenancy related debt you owed on a your current or former tenancy is less than one month's rent charge, or
- You have made an agreement to pay the arrears with your landlord, and have kept it for at least 3 months, and are still making payments as agreed.
- Does anti social behaviour affect the allocation of a house?
If you, or anyone who would be a member of the your household in a Council tenancy has:
- Been responsible for using a former home for illegal purposes which are, or were, likely to endanger or cause nuisance or harassment to neighbours (e.g. fire raising, drug dealing, prostitution,) or
- Been responsible for causing noise, nuisance or harassment in the vicinity of the property or
- Been responsible for causing racial or other harassment or
- Allowed other household members or friends to cause nuisance and harassment in the vicinity of the property or
- Caused extensive damage to the property
- Behaved in a threatening or violent way towards the landlord's staff or tenants in your tenancy or neighbourhood
- and
- there is documentary evidence to confirm this from a reliable and official source, such as a report accepted within the Forth Valley Information Sharing Protocol between local authorities and Police; a history of anti-social behaviour used in deciding a criminal conviction relating to a current or previous tenancy; eviction from a former home for anti-social behaviour; or the presence of an ASBO
You may be suspended from receiving an offer.
If you can show that an appropriate support package is in place or that there are valid reasons to believe that your behaviour and actions have changed and the anti-social behaviour is unlikely to recur, we will remove the suspension.
However, if you are offered a tenancy within 3 years of an eviction for anti-social behaviour, or if any person who will be part of their household has been the subject of an ASBO at any time, we will offer you a Short Scottish Secure Tenancy. This means that the tenancy will be for 6 months initially and will be reviewed after that period.
- Can I be removed from the list?
Your application may be removed from the list only if:
- you have requested removal from the register (usually in writing)
- the death of the applicant. Where there is a surviving partner the application will automatically transfer to that partner. If there is no surviving partner, the application will transfer to any other person named in the application, who has been resident with the applicant for 6 months if that person is aged 16 years and over. The application will be re-assessed.
- You don't reply to a review of the housing register. We will normally contact you once a year to see if you want to remain on our list. (We will also send you a reminder after 28 days and remove you from the list 7 days after that if we have not received a reply).
- If you are removed from the list in these circumstances you can be re-instated without penalty if you contact the Council within 6 months of the second reminder being issued. Your application will be re-instated with any necessary amendments. If you make contact after 6 months, you will have to complete a new application form.
We review applications to ensure that the our housing list is made up only of those people who are actively interested in housing.
- How do I let you know if my circumstances have changed?
We will review the information you have given us once a year on a rolling basis.
We would ask that you contact us and let us know whenever your circumstances change. This could have an impact on your application.
- How long will I have to wait for an offer?
In addition to the points awarded to applicants according to Housing need there are other factors that contribute to the positioning of applicants in each band.
These factors are as follow:
- Applicants may choose the area and the type of property that they wish to be considered for. Therefore other applicants on the same Band as you may have more points than you but they may also have chosen additional areas that you have not.
- Applicants can change their choice of areas and type of house they require and this may alter their position for certain property types and areas. This may also alter the position of your application and others on the same Band.
- An application is removed from the list when an offer of housing is accepted therefore your position will alter as a result of applicants who are ahead of you on the list being housed.
- Applicants' circumstances may change and this may alter their points and/or size of property they require. This will also alter the position of others on the same Band.
- An applicant can cancel their application at any time. Your position will be altered if applicants with more points than you cancel their application.
- New applications are submitted and assessed on a daily basis; this may alter the position of your application and others on the same Band.
All these factors mean that your position on the list will change according to changes in the circumstances and choices of other applicants. For these reasons it is not possible to give an accurate indication of waiting time.
- How do I complain If I am not happy with the service?
If you are not happy with the way your application has been handled you can make a complaint in line with the Council's complaints procedures.
- Appeals
You have the right to appeal against any decision taken during the application and allocation process.
Further information on how to make a complaint or appeal a decision can be found at any council housing office.
- What happens if an applicant gives the council false and misleading information?
If it is proven that an applicant has provided false and/or misleading information on the application form or omitted relevant information that has lead to a greater level of priority, the application will be re-assessed and the level of priority amended if necessary. The application may be suspended from offer during the period of re-assessment.
If an applicant has knowingly provided false and/or misleading information and this information influenced the Council's decision to allocate a tenancy, the Council may take legal action to re-possess that tenancy.
- I have heard that the council is introducing choice based lettings - what is that?
The Council intends to advertise vacant properties so that you can choose whether or not you want to be considered for that particular property.
Advertisements in the local press, on our web site and in local offices will invite you to let us know if you want to express an interest in a particular house.
We will indicate the band the house is being offered to. People in the band can then apply.
We will publish information and a leaflet about how choice based lettings works, before we start allocating houses in this way and add additional information to our web page.
We will also provide support for people who may find this process difficult.
- I have more questions - who do I speak to?
Contact the Lettings Team using the details below.
Publications & Documents
See also
Page & Site Tools
Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Tenancy Services Coordinator (Housing Options), Housing
Lime Tree House, Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EX
Tel: 0845 055 7070 (select option 4)
Email: lettingsteam@clacks.gov.uk
Or use the on-line contact form
