Information about the Housing Register
How does the Housing Register work?
If you wish to be considered for affordable housing in East Devon you will need to complete an application form which is obtainable from the Council Offices, Knowle, Sidmouth or alternatively at the Town Hall Offices, Exmouth. The questions we ask on the form will help us work out your type of housing need so it is important that you complete every question on the form.
In most areas there is a long waiting list for vacancies and limited housing resources.
When we have placed your application on the Housing Register we will write to tell you:
- which banding your application has been placed in;
- the size of home you can apply for;
- the application date and registration number; and
- your local connection.
If we refuse to register your application, you will be given a written explanation of the reasons why it was refused. If you disagree with our decision or the banding we have put you in, you have a right to request a review of either decision.
You have the right to request a review of their banding decision within 21 days of our notification to you.
Banding
If you wish to move home but we feel there is no particular housing problem, you will be placed in the Bronze banding. The chances of you being rehoused if your application is placed in the Bronze band are much reduced.
You will be placed in the Silver banding if you have a degree of housing need. For example you are homeless or threatened with homelessness but under homelessness priorities defined as non-priority, if you share essential facilities with extended family member in your household.
However, if you have a recognised need to be rehoused, you will be placed in the Gold banding. Examples of a recognised need are: if you live in insecure accommodation in the private rented sector; if you share essential facilities with other households; or, if you live in a property which is in disrepair. Many applications have a recognised need to be rehoused so are placed in the Gold band.
The Housing Register works on a date order basis. There is usually a long wait for housing because of limited availability and, in some cases, a very long wait, but if you are in the Gold band the list does move and you will make steady progress to the top of the list as those above you are housed.
Priorty Card
However, if your application is assessed as to be so urgent by our Housing Needs Manager (in consultation with a senior officer from the Social Services Department; Health Authority or similar organisation) that it should take priority over all other applicants, a priority card will be issued. The use of priority cards is strictly controlled and if you do not use your priority within three months (by failing to accept an invitation to apply for a property) your need for a priority card will be reviewed.
You will be placed in the Gold band if you meet one of the criteria set out on the next page. We will not give additional priority if you experience more than one of the situations on the list.
Medical, welfare and/or economic circumstances
Where you or a household member has a significant medical condition, welfare problem or economic circumstance which is caused or aggravated by the property you occupy, and where this condition needs to be eased or resolved by re-housing, you will normally be considered to be in urgent housing need.
Tackling anti-social behaviour and Rent arrears
If we consider you to be unsuitable to become a tenant because of anti-social behaviour or significant rent arrears, you may not be offered any housing at all, or you may have your priority reduced.
Housing Association/Registered Social Landlords
There is no distinction between the allocation of a Council house or the nomination to a Housing Association or to a Registered Social Landlord who have housing in the district. A nomination is where we are invited to refer a tenant to one of our partners. However, we do not have nomination rights to all Housing Association homes that become vacant. The names and addresses of the Housing Associations with housing stock in the District are available from the Housing Needs Team.
Exceptions to indicators of need
The following are some examples of exceptions to indicators of need. If you have income and/or assets or equity to purchase a property, afford private rent levels or perhaps to put right any problems experienced in your current home. We will deal with individual cases on their own merits.
Review Procedure
You have the right to request a review of the following decisions:
- Your eligibility to join the Housing Register;
- If we refuse to register you;
- Our assessment of your housing need or your allocation of housing; or
- The initial “banding” category
You must request a review of any of the above decisions in writing within 21 days of receiving our original notification. Similarly you will be notified in writing of our decision on the review within 21 days of you requesting the review.
Refusals of offers and deferrals
If you apply for a property and then subsequently refuse an offer, you may have their applications suspended for six months. Similarly, if you are statutory homeless you may be notified that we have discharged our duty and we will make no further offers of accommodation to you
Worsening of circumstances
If we consider that you have deliberately worsened your housing condition arrangements, we will place your application in the Bronze banding category for a period of twelve months.
False statement and withholding information
It is a criminal offence if you knowingly or recklessly make a statement which is false or if you withhold information which you are required to give. We may take legal action to evict anyone who has misled us in this way.
Keeping us up to date with your application
Remember to tell us of any changes which may effect your application. Changes may include:
- a new child;
- a family member leaving home;
- a change of address;
- if you have moved to the district, and have now been resident in the area for at least one year.
Each year we will send you a review letter. You must reply to the review letter and tell us of any changes in your application, otherwise you will be taken off the Housing Register.
Equal Opportunities
We have adopted an Equal Opportunity Policy and Racial Equality which covers allocations and nominations. In operating this policy we will comply with the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Legislation. This policy is also consistent with our Customer First Policy which attempts to ensure our services are provided how, where and when the customer needs them.
Housing Allocation Policy
You can download a copy of the council's 
Housing Allocation Policy (26KB - PDF Help) here.
