MK Council will be giving even greater priority to victims of domestic abuse, young people leaving care, members of the Armed Forces, and people with a local connection to MK when allocating council housing through a new policy.
The Council is refreshing its Housing Allocations Policy which sets out who is eligible for social housing and how the local authority will prioritise and accommodate people. Following a consultation last year with all council tenants and partners, the Council’s Cabinet will review the new policy which focuses on prioritising residents in most need.
Feedback from the consultation showed strong support for the changes being made, which includes priority consideration for:
- People with a strong local connection to the area, having lived in MK for at least three years without any long-term rent arrears.
- Domestic abuse victims - who won’t need a local connection as they often leave an area to find a new home.
- Care leavers – young people leaving care who are owed a duty by the local council
- Serving or former Armed Forces personnel and their families. Families of Armed Forces personnel who die in service also won’t need a local connection.
The Cabinet will consider the new policy at a meeting on Tuesday 5 July.
“We face huge challenges when it comes to council housing so it’s important that we’re prioritising our most vulnerable residents. A new home is much more than bricks and mortar, it’s where people can live and grow with their families and make lasting memories.
“We have one of the largest and greenest council housebuilding plans in a generation which will ensure we’re able to continue supporting people that need it the most. I’d particularly like to thank all of the people who took the time to respond to the consultation and share their thoughts with us.”