Hartlepool Home Search Allocation Policy

1.1     Aims and objectives

This policy has been developed by Hartlepool Borough Council and sets out the allocation policy though the Hartlepool Home Search Choice Based Lettings Scheme. Hartlepool Borough Council works with Registered Providers with properties across the borough and they will advertise and seek to let at least 50% of their available homes using the scheme. This is known as ‘nominations’ and is managed through a nominations agreement with Registered Providers with the aim of working in partnership to help people in housing need and to prevent homelessness.

This policy has the following aims and objectives:

• Provide an allocation system which is easily understood and accessible to all residents and one which enables people to make choices about where they live;
• Provide a consistent approach to allocating available Hartlepool Borough Council homes and properties advertised by other Registered Providers;
• Improve access to affordable homes across Hartlepool;
• Provide help for applicants to resolve issues which may cause barriers to housing and to tackle and prevent homelessness;
• Provide choice in housing to residents in Hartlepool to help choose a home for their immediate needs or long term medical needs;
• To let homes in a fair and transparent way, allowing applicants to make informed choices about where they want to live; and
• To make efficient use of the social housing stock in meeting housing needs and contributing towards sustainable communities.

1.2     Statement on choice

Applicants will be allowed to bid for advertised homes on the scheme, enabling them to have an active choice on where they choose to live balanced with meeting housing needs.

The choice based lettings scheme will enable the Council to nominate people from the housing register to Registered Providers. The scheme might also include private rented sector properties and affordable home ownership products to increase the choice and availability of housing. These lettings will be made outside of this policy.

1.3     Affordability

Applicants will be allowed to bid for properties that meet their bedroom need and are affordable and which they are eligible for. Applicants who do not feel that they are receiving the income that they are entitled to should seek independent advice.

1.4     Equality and fairness

We will ensure that our policies and practices do not discriminate in line with the Equality Act 2010. We will take measures to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to housing opportunities with the population as a whole.

We will ensure that all applicants have access to information about the service and equal opportunity to register, bid for and receive offers of accommodation.  We will do this by providing help, in the applicants preferred way, where the applicant may have difficulty applying to the register, bidding for a property or accessing our online services.

1.5     Meeting our obligations

Our policy has been written to meet the legal requirements for the allocation of housing as set out in the Housing Act 1996 Part VI as amended by the Homeless Act (2002), the Localism Act 2011 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

This policy also has regard to the following:

• Homelessness Reduction Act 2017: Homeless Code of Guidance
• Allocation of accommodation: guidance for local housing authorities in England (June 2012 updated June 2022)
• Providing social housing for local people: Statutory guidance on social housing allocations for local authorities in England (December 2013)
• Right to Move (2015) Statutory Guidance
• Childrens Act 1989 and Childrens Act 2004
• Public Sector Equality Duty
• Improving access to social housing for members of the Armed Forces (June 2020)
• The Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (England) and Persons subject to Immigration Control (Housing Authority Accommodation and Homelessness) Regulations 2006
• The Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (England) and Persons subject to Immigration Control (Housing Authority Accommodation and Homelessness) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• The Council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy and Housing Strategy

1.6     Advice and information

Applicants who do not have internet access can visit or phone the Civic Centre for assistance.

Information may also be provided to applicants on their likelihood of obtaining social housing and other options that may be available to resolve their housing needs.

1.7     Information sharing, confidentiality and data protection

All information received relating to an applicant’s housing circumstances will be processed in accordance with UK Data Protection law.  Information will only be shared in accordance with our Information Sharing Protocols. 

In dealing with an application for housing, we may need to contact other relevant agencies or organisations for further information (e.g. medical professionals, probation service, former or current landlords). 

Where an applicant has difficulty communicating directly themselves, they can name an advocate (or interpreter) to communicate on their behalf.