Hart District Council has updated the way it allocates homes on its housing register to prioritise people who have lived in the area for at least two years.
These updates, to take effect from 1 June 2025, are designed to ensure a fairer and more efficient allocation of social housing for those in greatest need with a strong connection to Hart.
This was among a number of proposed changes that received positive feedback from residents during a consultation on the new Housing Allocations Policy.
Alongside strengthening the local connection requirement, the level of allowed savings has increased from £16,000 to £30,000 and those refused housing due to anti-social behaviour must wait two years rather than one before they can be considered to join the housing register.
Kirsty Jenkins, Executive Director for Community Services, said: “The need for social housing in the district far outweighs the number of homes we have available. We are taking proactive steps to make social housing allocation as fair and effective as possible, ultimately improving access to secure and suitable local homes for local people.
“The responses to our consultation showed overwhelming support for the proposals and this feedback helped shape the new policy.”
The Housing Allocations Policy can be viewed at www.hart.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-03/Housing-Allocations-Policy.pdf
Available properties are advertised through Hart’s Home Connections website and applicants must be registered to bid on a home. To join the register and find out more information, visit https://hart.homeconnections.org.uk