New housing allocation rules to be introduced in Hastings

A revised housing allocations policy will come into effect from Monday, October 20 for residents in Hastings.

The changes aim to ensure that social housing is used more effectively to meet the needs of the community.

Glenn Haffenden, leader of Hastings Borough Council and lead councillor for housing, said: "With the shortage of housing we have in Hastings, it is really important that we make the best use of the properties we have.

"The changes to our allocation policy will allow us to do this.

"Housing officers will be contacting everyone affected by the changes in the coming weeks, to advise them of the changes and any ongoing support we can offer.

"One of the council’s top priorities is to make sure every resident has a decent home, and I hope that these changes will help us achieve this."

The updated policy introduces a savings and earnings cap for eligibility, excluding applicants with more than £16,000 in savings except in cases where this is the household’s only income.

Applicants whose rent or mortgage payments are less than 32 per cent of their total household income will also be considered ineligible.

To join the housing register, applicants must have lived continuously in Hastings for the past three years.

The policy also changes rules on bedroom sharing, stating that two children of the same gender can share a room until the age of 18.

This is intended to help larger families access suitable housing.

Other changes include revised banding criteria to prioritise homelessness prevention and encourage downsizing to free up family homes.

The number of times an applicant can refuse a property offer is also being updated.

The policy was first consulted on in autumn 2023 and approved by the council’s cabinet in January 2024.

Implementation was delayed to allow for IT updates and coordination with neighbouring councils.

The full policy is available on the housing strategies and policies page of the Hastings Borough Council website.