HomechoiceWB's aim is to try and house those in greatest housing need. We use a points system based on applicant's circumstances to give a priority. Everybody on the Common Housing Register is awarded points based on the table below
Description - Overcrowding
Criteria: a separate bedroom is deemed to be needed for
a. a couple or single parent/adult
b. up to 2 children under 5 years irrespective of sex
c. up to 2 children of the same sex below the age of 10 (providing age gap no greater than 5 years)
d. all other household members not covered above
Points awarded - 10 points for each bedroom
short of this target
Description - Under Occupancy
Criteria: Each bedroom in excess of requirements within the home
Points awarded - 20 points per excess bedroom
Description - Lacking or sharing any amenities listed: Toilet, Bath or shower, kitchen, living room, water, electricity
Criteria: Sharing or Lacking
Points awarded - 20 points (one award) or 40 points (one award)
Description - Security of Tenure (please note there are six Security of Tenure categories - points are awarded for one category only)
Criteria: Temporary accom / supported housing schemes (needing move on)/private rented, forces or tied with valid notice/hospital discharge within 3 months/ care leavers within 3 months
Points awarded - 40 points (one award)
Description - Security of Tenure
Criteria: In hostel/supported lodgings/hospital/foster care/ adult placement/care home/No fixed abode/ without accommodation
Points awarded - 30 points (one award)
Description - Security of Tenure
Criteria: Confirmed homeless at home/ awaiting temp accom/ duty owed by other Local Authority/non-accepted homeless by this LA/ all other private rented applicants
Points awarded - 20 points (one award)
Description - Security of Tenure - Statutory Homeless Applicants
Criteria: Applicants who the LA have accepted a full housing duty to under section 190(2), 192(3), 193(2), 195(2) or HA 1985 section 65(2) or 68(2)
Points awarded - 20 points (one award)
Description - Security of Tenure
Criteria: Living with family/friends
Points awarded - 10 points (one award)
Description - Security of Tenure
Criteria: Tied/Forces/Owner occupied/ LA or RSL tenant/prison
Points awarded - 0 points
Description - Families
Criteria: With children under 16 and no enclosed garden
Points awarded - 5 points (one award)
Description - Families
Criteria: With children under 16 years and above or below floor level
Points awarded - 5 points (one award)
Description - Separation
Criteria: Applicants forced to live apart from their children and/or partner because of inadequate accommodation
Points awarded - 5 points (one award)
Description - Medical Factors (to include disabilities where the accommodation is making the issues worse)
Criteria: To be assessed by medical officer using points matrix
Points awarded - 100//50/20/15/10/5or 0 points
Description - Social Needs Factors
Criteria: To be agreed by Housing Operations Manager
Points awarded - 100/50/20/15/10/5 or 0 points
Description - Condition of present accommodation
Criteria To be assessed by Environmental Health Officer on presentation of file and photos
Points awarded - 100/50/20/15/10 or 5 points
Description - Discretionary Factor
Criteria: To be agreed by Housing Operations Manager
Points awarded - 100/50/20/15/10/5 or 0 points
Description - Time in Housing Need
Criteria: Yearly on anniversary of application
Points awarded - 5 points per year
Description - Local Connection
Criteria: As defined in allocation policy
Points awarded - 10 points (one award)