Brent Council plan to change criteria for social housing

Cllr Muhammed Butt says the proposed new rules will make the system fair (Image: Archant)

Council chiefs are planning to tighten eligibility rules for social housing in the borough.

A consultation has been launched which is seeking views on changes which could result in thousands of families being forced to turn to the private rental sector.

According to figures from homeless charity Shelter, Brent has 21,000 families waiting for social housing – the second highest figure in London.

Under the new proposals, changes include applicants proving a connection to the borough through residence or work, larger families with dependant children having their households split so adult offspring are given their own home and families deemed to be earning too much being banned from applying for housing.

In addition a person who has been evicted from their home for anti-social behaviour, or has assaulted a Brent Council employee, resulting in an injunction being sought or obtained, will also be ineligible for social housing.

Decisions

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, told the Times the changes are mandatory under the government’s Localism Act 2011.

He said: “The aim is to provide a simpler, fairer scheme which meets housing need, makes best use of our stock and promotes economic and social regeneration.”

He added: “Our tenancy strategy will enable decisions about who lives where and for how long to be taken on the basis of local need and circumstances.

“This, we anticipate, will result in a housing system that is better focused, protecting and supporting those who need it most.

“It will only apply to new tenants and does not have a direct impact on existing social housing tenants.”

The consultation ends on March 8.

For more information visit http://brent-consult.objective.co.uk/portal/regen_policy/bhas-consultation.