Public consultation for revised Great Yarmouth Borough Council housing allocation policy

In recent years the borough has seen an increased demand for social housing and a reduction in the availability of housing stock.

A revised policy has been drawn up to manage expectations and ensure the best use of social housing.

Councillor Emma Flaxman-Taylor, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for Housing, Health and Communities, said: ''Like all local authorities, Great Yarmouth Borough Council is facing growing demands for social housing. Given the limited supply of properties we have available it is essential we have a policy which makes the best possible use of the resources we have.

''We hope as many people as possible will engage with the consultation so we have a housing allocations policy that is fit for purpose and best serves the needs of everyone in the community.''

New proposals for the policy include updating the local connection residency qualification to at least three years prior to an application, as opposed to the current criteria of three out of the last five years.

The revised policy also includes a set of income and asset thresholds for financial qualification for the borough's Housing Register; increasing the number of housing bands, from five to seven; limiting the number of suitable offers for certain applicants; and new categories to support regeneration initiatives, promote the best use of stock and prevent homelessness.

The consultation closed on September 1, 2024.