West Lancashire

• Changes to the Housing Allocations Policy in response to emerging challenges
• New policy will ensure homes in West Lancashire are offered to those in the highest housing need
• Changes to the way we allocate accommodation to homeless persons

In response to both local and national changes West Lancashire Borough Council has updated its Housing Allocations Policy, which highlights the priorities and procedures for allocating Council homes and nominations to Private Registered Providers of Social Housing in West Lancashire.

The West Lancashire Borough Council Housing Allocations Policy was last updated in 2018 and whilst it is mainly directed by legislation and guidelines set by the government, we have liaised with existing and prospective tenants to create a new policy which better reflects the local needs of residents and the borough.

Due to an increase in homelessness presentations and a significant increase in the use of Temporary accommodation, we have changed the way we allocate homes to homeless persons.

A 6-month time limit will be introduced to those applicants who require urgent re-housing to actively encourage them to bid for accommodation which addresses their housing needs, rather than waiting for their preferred property.

Housing allocation takes people’s earnings and savings into consideration and whilst feedback from consultation was that existing Income and Asset rules were fair the threshold levels for household incomes has been increased to £50,000 and for assets the levels have been increased to £80,000, in response to the cost-of-living pressures.

In other changes, the needs of mums-to-be will now considered at an earlier stage to support expectant parents in securing suitable accommodation prior to the birth of their child and more flexibility will be introducing to allow single people or couples to bid on both small two-bedroom properties and one-bedroom properties, subject to an affordability assessment.

Councillor Nicola Pryce-Roberts, Portfolio Holder for Housing said: " Our Housing Allocations Policy aims to ensure fairness, transparency and efficiency in the allocation of social housing. These updates will enable us to respond to emerging challenges and offer homes in West Lancashire to those in the highest housing need."

"Thank you to everyone who participated in the Housing Allocations Policy consultation. This feedback, along with rules and guidelines set by central government, has been used to create the new policy and ensures the process is fair, open, and transparent."

You can view the full Housing Allocations Policy online 

House Exchange – West Lancashire Borough Council Mutual Exchange partner of choice

Have you been thinking about moving home? Maybe it’s for a new job, more space or simply to be closer to friends and family. Whatever the reason, House Exchange can help you.

House Exchange is the new service we use to bring people together who are interested in swapping their homes. There are thousands of people looking to swap their properties right across the UK, so your ideal home may only be a few clicks away.

Enter your details at www.houseexchange.org.uk and the site will match you up with other would-be-swappers. The website helps you to search, find matches and contact other council or housing association residents who want to swap their homes. There’s also a free House Exchange App available on the Apple App and Google Play stores; so you can search on the move too!

Important things to consider:

Add photos: You can have up to five photos of your property on your advert, this increases your chances of finding a swap, allowing fellow users to see throughout your home. As a result of this, make sure each room looks its best in the pictures.

Include a description: House Exchange has a fantastic tool that allows you to create a description by selecting options that apply to your home, or if you prefer, get creative and write your own. You can find both these options in the ‘Update my advert’ area where you can also add key features such as a garden or balcony.  The more detail you add to your description the more your advert will stand out. 

Get in touch: Once you’re registered, check your matches and start messaging people; arranging viewings is a great first step in your House Exchange journey.

House Exchange will help you every step of the way to take the stress out of searching for a new home. Visit the website today!

This new development located in Fairstead, Birch Green will provide 14 new affordable residential units including 6 x 3 bed houses and 8 x 2 bed flats.

Properties are due for completion during October 2021 and are expected to be advetised mid September.