Share your views about our revised Housing Allocations Policy
New Forest District Council has updated its Allocations Policy, which sets out how social housing is offered to people in our district. To help shape how the Policy is delivered, we’re inviting tenants, residents, and anyone with an interest in local housing to share their views.
Phases
Share your thoughts on our revised Allocations Policy
New Forest District Council has updated its Allocations Policy, which sets out how social housing is offered to people in our district.
We are consulting because the policy has been updated to reflect new legislation, strengthen fairness and transparency, and ensure homes continue to go to those most in need. We are now seeking your views to make the final policy as clear, fair, and accessible as possible.
You can download the full Policy above - but here is a summary of the new Policy's key principles
1. Clearer banding structure for prioritising applicants
The policy continues to use four bands (1–4), but provides more detailed criteria for each, with strengthened rules around health, wellbeing, overcrowding, disrepair, and homelessness.
2. Stronger emphasis on fairness, transparency, and legal compliance
The policy has been updated to reflect changes in housing law, including the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and new regulations on Armed Forces personnel and care leavers.
3. Local connection, financial assessment, and qualifying rules are more clearly defined
Applicants must meet updated criteria relating to residence, employment, income/assets, immigration status, and behaviour. Some vulnerable groups are exempt from local connection rules.
4. Greater support for rural communities through Rural Connection Bands
Revised Rural Parish criteria ensure priority for applicants with longstanding local ties, helping sustain village communities.
5. More detail on the choice‑based lettings process and when exceptions apply
The policy explains how bidding works, when automatic or assisted bidding is used, and when direct offers may be made (e.g., homelessness duty, supported housing, MAPPA cases).
6. Strengthened processes for reviews, verification, and preventing fraud
Applicants have clearer rights to challenge decisions, and the Council outlines stronger checks to ensure accuracy, prevent false statements, and manage the register effectively.
Please take the time to read through the new Policy and give us your feedback by clicking 'take our survey'.