Consultation on changes to housing register in West Norfolk

Residents are being invited to share their opinions on how people can access affordable homes.

A consultation has been launched asking people to tell West Norfolk Council what they think about some proposed changes to how people access the area’s housing register.

The register is the list of people who have applied for help to find an affordable home, through which they are given different levels of ‘priority’ according to their needs.

Cllr Jo Rust, the borough council’s cabinet member for people and communities, said: “The way we manage the housing register aims to treat everyone fairly and ensure that those in most need are housed first.

“We think that the changes we are proposing will help to improve how people’s needs are prioritised but it’s important that we ask our residents for their opinions so we can take these into account.

“The consultation is open until May 23 and takes only a few minutes to complete – please take part and let us have your views.

“We are especially interested in hearing from people who have any experience of affordable housing.”

The survey asks for views on six changes:

• Number of levels of priority

• Level of priority for people with a job

• Giving more help with prevention of homelessness

• People with welfare and medical priorities

• Level of priority for lacking a bedroom

• Moving on from hostel (supported) accommodation

Each change is explained and then people are asked whether they think it should be made or not.

There is also an opportunity for people to contact the council to suggest other changes that might be considered in future.

The consultation is open and closes at midnight on Friday, May 23. It can be accessed at smartsurvey.co.uk