Changes to our Allocations Policy - April 2024

Following a review and extensive consultation process, the Housing and Community Safety Committee have agreed a revised Allocations Policy. As part of the review, we consulted widely with individuals, community groups, residents, tenant organisations, staff, and other key stakeholders on proposed changes to the policy.

If you have housing application with us, or are considering applying for housing with us, these changes could affect you.

In order to make sure that available homes go those with the greatest housing need key changes are being made to points framework. Points awarded for need to reside will be removed and there are also changes for key workers.  The changes will be in place from 1 April 2024.  The most significant changes are listed below:

Policy area  Detail of the change
Tenant Downsizing Incentive Scheme points A new category has been introduced which award points to applicants transferring as part of the Tenant Downsizing Incentive Scheme.Tenants who are admitted to the Scheme will be awarded 500 points.  They will not be penalised if they refuse an offer of housing.
Domestic abuse points A new category has been introduced which will award 500 points to applicants with an urgent need for housing because of domestic abuse.
Key workers points

Key worker points have been increased to 400 points.  The criteria for key worker has been revised to:

  • Professional staff needed to fill a role in the public sector, such as NHS health care professionals (e.g. consultants, GPs,   physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, nurses) or teachers or technical employees*; and
  • They have skills which cannot be sourced locally; and
  • Recruitment shortages can be evidenced by the prospective employer.

In addition:

  • They must live outwith Moray when they apply for housing; and
  • They must be willing to accept a short Scottish secure tenancy (SSST).

This list is not exhaustive and we will retain absolute discretion in deciding if a role is a key worker and if housing will address a recruitment shortage.
Key workers will be offered a short Scottish secure tenancy (SSST) for a minimum of six months and a maximum of 12 months.  After this, their tenancy will end.  
Need to reside points This category has been removed from the Allocations Policy.
Care and support  point

A new category has been introduced which will award 150 points to applicants who need to move to either:

  • Give essential care and support to a vulnerable person which will allow them to continue to live independently at home and reduce demand on statutory care services; or
  • Receive essential care and support which will allow them to live independently at home, reduce demand on statutory service and/or remove the need to move into a care home.  For example, if you are vulnerable and you need to live closer to your carer; and
  • It is not reasonable to give or receive the level of care and support needed, unless they live closer to the person getting / giving the care and support.

Applicants will need to show evidence of this before the points will be awarded.
Functional assessment points The wording for awarding functional assessment points has been changed to be clearer.  This is based on recommendations from our Housing Occupational Therapist.
Under occupancy points The Allocations Policy has been revised to award 250 points to applicants who are under occupying social housing to transfer tenants only.  All other applicants on the housing list who are under occupying housing will receive 50 points.
Tied accommodation points The Allocations Policy has been changed so that tied accommodation points are awarded up to six months before a tenancy ends.  If an applicant is made an offer of housing during this period and they cannot accept because of the timeframe for ending their tenancy, they will not be penalised.
Management transfers These will be used in cases where we need to urgently rehouse one or some of our current tenants and the options available in the allocations policy would not deliver a resolution quickly enough.   
Management transfers will only be approved where there is a serious risk to the tenant if they stay in the current tenancy or there are urgent and exceptional reasons.
A summary of the priorities and point levels in the revised Allocations Policy is set out below. 
Priority Category Points
Homelessness 0
Under occupancy (per bedroom short) Transfer tenants living in social housing 250
Waiting list applicants 50
Downsizing Scheme 500
Domestic Abuse 500
Overcrowding 100
Periodic Contact 50
Functional housing need 0 - 500
Leaving institutional / supported care 350
Underuse of specialist housing 250
Poor housing conditions Below Tolerable Standard and a Closing / Demolition Order has been served 250
Below Tolerable Standard and lacks two or more  facilities 150
There are  minor deficiencies to the state of repair of the property, which are through no fault of the tenant; or
The property is affected by condensation and mould due to the poor construction.		 100
Sharing amenities 100
Flatted/maisonette accommodation Applicants with children under 16 years of age who are currently occupying flatted/maisonette accommodation where there is shared access within the building are awarded points as follows Residing in a first floor flat or above ground floor access maisonette. 40
Residing in a second floor or over flat or maisonette where the living accommodation is on the second floor. 75
Tied accommodation 350
Key workers 400
Care and support 150

What is the revised Allocations Policy?
This policy sets out the framework we use to allocate council housing while taking into consideration the needs, demands and aspirations of applicants.  In line with guidance and good practice, we review our Allocations Policy every three years.  You can read the revised Allocations Policy at www.moray.gov.uk/revisedAllocationsPolicy .
This policy will be implemented on 1 April 2024.

Do I need to take any action?
If you have a housing application you will need to log into your account on or after 1 April 2024 and review your application.  Go to www.moray.gov.uk/housingonline and make sure that you:
1. answer all of the questions relevant to your application;
2. check your contact details are up to date; and
3. submit your application.
Any changes to your application may mean that the points you are awarded also changes.  This may also change your position on the housing list.

How will I know my position on the Housing List?
You can check your position on the Housing List at www.moray.gov.uk/positiononthehousinglist. 

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