FOI Request - Determining Social Housing
Request 101003808625
1. Information on how priority for social housing is determined in your local authority, specifically with reference to how conflicting priority claims are resolved where an applicant is care-experienced.
Response 16-07-2025
1. The information requested is published and available on our website in the form of The Allocations Policy. This information is therefore exempt under section 25 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, information otherwise accessible. For ease of reference please find a link to the web page here: http://www.moray.gov.uk/downloads/file154032.pdf
This policy sets out how we prioritise applications for housing whilst taking into account applicant preferences and ensuring we make best use of our housing stock. The policy complies with housing legislation that governs the allocation of social housing. This legislation is contained in the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, as amended by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014. It sets out what we must and must not do when allocating our houses. This framework still gives us discretion to develop our Allocations Policy in line with local priorities in certain areas.
We will assess all applications for housing and will give priority to those in greatest housing need. In line with housing law, we must give ‘reasonable preference’ to the following:
• People who are homeless or threatened with homelessness through no fault of their own and have unmet housing needs;
• Social housing tenants who are under occupying their home; and
• People who are living in unsatisfactory housing conditions and have unmet housing needs.
Our Allocations Policy awards points to applicants who are leaving institutional / supported care. For care experienced young people, these points will be awarded until they are permanently housed. Thereafter if they experience housing difficulties and reapply for council housing (up to the age of 26) a referral would be made to the Housing Needs Review Group to consider their application. Care experienced young people may be eligible for other points, depending on their individual circumstances.
• If the person is on the Transfer or Waiting List, their position is determined by the number of points. There is no maximum level of points.
• If they are on the Homeless List, no points are awarded. Their priority will be determined by the date of the homeless application unless there are exceptional circumstances that merit an urgent offer of accommodation.