Published: Wednesday 31 July 2024
Residents who have waited the longest for a home and those moving to free up larger properties for families in need will get greater housing priority under Kensington and Chelsea Council’s new Housing Allocation Scheme.
The updated scheme, which aims to make the fairest, most efficient use of the borough’s limited supply of social homes, provides residents with additional points for every year they have been waiting for a Council or housing association home. It also rewards anyone downsizing from much-needed family-sized homes they no longer need.
Additional points will be awarded to those willing to move into privately-rented homes instead of temporary accommodation, giving them more choice over their housing, while a new banding system will make it easier for residents to see their position on the housing register.
Annual quotas to provide homes for particular types of housing need – such as overcrowded households or adults with learning disabilities – have also been introduced so that the limited supply of housing is spread more fairly.
Kensington and Chelsea currently has more than 3,100 households on its housing register, but only 368 homes became available for let during 2023/24.
Cllr Sof McVeigh, Lead Member for Housing, said:
“London is in the midst of an unprecedented housing crisis and there’s no quick fix to bridging the significant gap between supply and demand.
“That’s why we’ve worked with residents to design a transparent scheme that will help more households into settled, long-term homes that truly meet their needs. It makes better use of the private rented sector, maximises our supply of larger and accessible homes and reduces the number of people stuck in the limbo of temporary accommodation.
“We’re also building new Council homes for the first time in a generation, providing high-quality places to live for social tenants and key workers.”
The Housing Allocation Scheme was developed following an extensive public consultation and captures many of the themes and issues raised by residents.
The Scheme can be found on our website, along with answers to frequently asked questions and an easy-read guide.