Housing Allocations Policy Review 2022

We are seeking the views and feedback of all those who are impacted by Thurrock Council's Housing Allocations Policy.

The Housing Allocations Policy lays out the rules and processes by which the council allocates the housing stock that is available to it.

The demand for social housing in the borough far outstrips the supply that the council has available, and therefore we must prioritise those with the greatest need.

This means that for most households the chances of being offered a property by the council are extremely low and other housing options will need to be identified and considered.

Thurrock Council has a duty to prioritise certain groups of people but the council may also use its discretionary powers to meet the needs of other priority groups and local priorities.

The Housing Allocations Policy was last updated in 2019 and a review of this document is now required to ensure it remains appropriate and effective.

There will be two engagement phases. A first engagement period will last for four weeks from 11 July 2022 and will be crucial for the council to understand the areas that need to be explored in this review.

Once as much feedback has been collected as possible during this time, the council will review and identify key areas for change. A second phase of engagement will follow in August/September 2022 for discussion around a set of proposed changes to the policy based on the feedback collected in the first phase.

A final report and revised policy will then be produced for approval based on all the feedback received, with the new policy anticipated to take effect in Spring 2023.