A CONSULTATION on proposed changes to how social housing is allocated in Bromsgrove District is under way, ahead of the introduction of a new system next year.
‘Bromsgrove Home Choice’ will replace ‘Home Choice Plus’ in 2026 as the district’s local housing register and the way social and affordable rented homes from housing providers across the area are advertised.
Applicants on the local housing register can use it to express interest in available properties.
That system is all underpinned by a local social housing allocation policy.
Setting that policy – which must comply with national housing legislation – is one of Bromsgrove District Council’s statutory responsibilities and the council is now consulting on proposed revisions to it.
Coun Kit Taylor, Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder for planning, WRS, and strategic housing, said: “This essential update will ensure our housing register continues to prioritise applicants fairly and effectively.
“With demand for social homes far exceeding supply, it’s vital to ensure our allocations policy isn’t just legally compliant, but that it’s as fair as it can be to those with a local connection.”
The change to Home Choice Plus will mean all existing applicants will need to reapply under the new criteria in the future.
To qualify, applicants must first be eligible for social housing and then meet legal definitions of ‘reasonable preference’ for housing or a lower housing need as defined locally.
Applicants’ priority will then be determined by financial and personal circumstances.
Proposed changes to local policy, now under consultation, include having six numbered priority bands to make levels clearer.
The highest level – Band 1 – will prioritise homeless applicants as they are owed a duty to a home and are in the highest need only. Within the bands, priority will be down to the date applications were made.
In Band 2 will be people ready to move on from council-referred supported accommodation and, in Band 4, will be those who have a reasonable preference but no local connection.
Income thresholds will also be raised with applicants in Band 4 earning £47,000 for couples and £60,000 for families.
Low-level disrepair (non-category 1 hazards) will be removed as grounds for ‘reasonable preference’.
Under the new system, applications from non-qualifying homeowners would be rejected, except in exceptional circumstances.
As these changes will affect outcomes for some applicants, the council is urging people to respond to the consultation by sending in their views on the changes.
The survey is promoted through the Home Choice Plus website directly. Alternatively, people can go to: bromsgrove.gov.uk/consultations to have their say.
Paper copies are available from the council’s Parkside offices on Market Street, Bromsgrove.
The closing date for comments on the consultation is 5pm on January 14.
The closing date is 5pm on Wednesday 14 January, 2026.
