Tees Valley to update social housing policy

A proposal to update Tees Valley’s social housing allocation policy aims to improve housing access for vulnerable individuals, including those from the Armed Forces community. 

The policy, developed by the Tees Valley Lettings Partnership, which is made up of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Middlesbrough Council, Beyond Housing and North Star Housing, will introduce key changes designed to address increased demand and support those with urgent needs.

Under the new plan, applicants from the Armed Forces will benefit from enhanced priority banding, with those in urgent need being awarded Band 1+ priority. 

A local connection will also be required for applicants to register, while those with a history of anti-social behaviour will face longer exclusions from the housing register. 

Additionally, the policy will introduce priority bidding and increase support for care leavers, homelessness and individuals with medical or child protection needs.

Councillor Ursula Earl, cabinet member for Health and Welfare at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “This is an important step in making sure some of the most vulnerable members of our community, including children, care leavers, those who are homeless, and the Armed Forces community, are prioritised so they can access housing.

“It also seeks to strengthen our response to anti-social behaviour, and by prioritising local connection, we will be keeping communities together bringing more stability to people’s lives.”

The changes, part of an ongoing effort to provide fairer housing allocation, will ensure vulnerable groups in the region receive the support they need to find suitable accommodation.

For further details of the Tees Valley Common Allocation Policy, see here.

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s cabinet will consider the proposal at its meeting on April 29.

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