 Housing applicants who supply false information could be banned from applying for homes for a year, under proposals being considered by one council. Norwich Council is suggesting the measure as part of an overhaul of its allocations policy, which closes for public consultation next week. It is also proposing to introduce a six month application ban for households that refuse too many offers of accommodation. It suggests this should apply if an applicant has turned down five offers of housing.
The change in allocation policy is being brought about by the closure of the Greater Norwich Home Options partnership, which covers Norwich, Broadland and South Norfolk. This is being dissolved from April 2012, and Norwich Council will be setting up its own service, which needs an allocation policy. The proposals seek to lower the administrative burden of this by reducing the number of people who can apply. Only people with a local connection or who have a priority housing need would be able to go on the waiting list, and homeowners would be banned from applying except in exceptional circumstances. Households would also be barred from reapplying for a year after they have been housed. A further change would allow landlords to decide what size of household would be able to bid for their properties. At present this is set out in the allocation policy, and can result in low demand for some types of housing. Giving landlords more freedom to decide what size of household to let their properties to would alleviate this problem, although the government is proposing to limit housing benefit payments for working age families who under occupy homes. The consultation states: ‘It will be for the applicant to consider any affordability or benefit issues that may arise.’ The consultation closes on 26 February, with a report due to be made to the council on 12 March. |