The way social housing in Gwynedd is allocated is about to change to make local people who are in need of housing the priorty.
After a consultation in 2019, the new policy which will be introduced in the coming months will offer a simpler system for people wanting to apply for social housing by strengthening the emphasis on local and community connection.
The new policy is based on ‘banding’ the housing need of applicants instead of the old complicated points-based system. It will divide applications into four categories, from those 'in urgent housing need with a Gwynedd connection' down to those 'with no housing need but with a Gwynedd connection'.
“We want to offer a system that’s far easier for people to understand and which ultimately ensures that local people who have the greatest housing need get the homes they require,” said Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Craig ab Iago.
“People have told us that the old system can be difficult to understand and that more should be done so that housing is offered to people who have a stronger connection with the local community.
“By listening to these comments, we’re now introducing a new and progressive system that will get to grips with the needs of people by introducing a new system that’s easier to understand.
“This new policy will make sure that the people of Gwynedd are given as much priority as possible within the housing system and prioritise those applicants with the greatest need, as well as their connection with the county and individual communities.”
In Gwynedd, social housing is available from Adra, Grŵp Cynefin and North Wales Housing. Properties are offered through the county’s common housing register which is administered by Gwynedd Council’s Housing Options Team.
The Council will be writing to everyone on the register shortly to explain the new system and to let them know how this will affect their application.
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