The Common Allocation Policy is designed by the partners to make the process of applying for housing easier, to address housing needs and make best use of the available housing stock while maximising access and choice for applicants.

There are six proposed changes:

• Extenuating Circumstances points awards will be reviewed every six months
• Strategic Needs grouping for Armed Forces personnel awards will be extended from three to six months
• Priority two Health and Disability points will be increased from 20 to 21 points
• Applicants with a life limiting terminal diagnosis will be awarded the highest Health and Disability priority, where their current home is unsuitable for their current or future needs
• Applicants assessed as eligible for Care and Support points will be moved into the Strategic Needs Group
• Preserved waiting list points will be removed.

The proposed changes will be presented to tenants, applicants on the housing list, registered tenant organisations and a number of national charities, seeking their views.

Councillor Jim McMahon, spokesperson for housing, welfare and poverty, social care, mental wellbeing and addiction and recovery, said: “The SEARCH partners have worked together to identify areas of the Common Allocation Policy that can be improved to assist applicants while ensuring that the best use is made of the housing stock available.

“I welcome the proposed changes and hope that you will take five minutes to respond to our consultation. The consultation will run from Monday 13 March until close of play on Monday 24 April and there are a number of ways that you can have your say including filling out the survey online or filling out a paper copy.”

Have your say by completing the survey online here.