Many face chop from housing list

Many face chop from housing list – News from Abbey Home Buyers

The warning comes after Falkirk Council began a review of its housing allocation policy in January. So far 5,161 of the 12,605 people on the waiting list have failed to respond to requests to re-register. Applicants have until 30 May to contact the authority if they wish to remain on the waiting list. In February, Communities Scotland published a critical report into the area’s homeless service and the way properties were allocated. ‘Accurate information’ In response, the council sent letters to those on the waiting list inquiring if they wanted to remain on it. At the same time, the council also said only those considered to be in the “greatest need” would be given a council property in future. The local authority currently has about 17,000 properties in its housing stock with 7,054 applicants awaiting a house. Housing and social services convener Gerry Goldie said: “We realise that circumstances may have changed for a lot of people on the waiting list. “That’s why we need every applicant’s help in bringing the housing list up to date. “If we have accurate information about applicants’ requirements we can plan the best use of the housing resources we have available.”

BBC News