housing allocation scheme
Havering Council is reviewing its housing allocation scheme to improve resident understanding, while other councils address accessibility and prioritisation.
Havering Council's Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee decided in September 2026 to conduct a review of its housing allocation scheme, aiming to improve resident understanding and confidence. This follows concerns, highlighted by Councillor Matthew Stanton, that residents do not fully grasp how their points total is calculated.
Croydon Council is set to translate its Housing Allocation Policy into multiple languages, a recommendation from the Homes Sub-Committee in November 2025 to improve accessibility. Richmond upon Thames Council is also reviewing its housing allocation scheme to prioritise care leavers, a decision made by the Education and Children's Services Committee in November 2025.
Croydon Council previously extended the residency requirement for social housing applicants from three to six years, agreed and implemented in April 2025 after a public consultation, and plans a 12-month review of its impact. Housing allocation schemes are policies that govern how social housing is allocated to residents.
Key facts
- Havering Council's Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee decided in September 2026 to review the housing allocation scheme. Source
- Croydon Council is set to translate its Housing Allocation Policy into multiple languages, following a November 2025 recommendation. Source
- Richmond upon Thames Council decided in November 2025 to review its housing allocation scheme to prioritise care leavers. Source
- Croydon Council extended the residency requirement for social housing applicants from three to six years, implemented in April 2025. Source
- A public consultation showed 75% of respondents agreed with Croydon Council's extended residency criteria. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.