Have a say on housing policy

People looking to secure council housing in South Ayrshire are being asked to help shape the way the process works.

The council has launched a review into the way its systems operate for individuals and families looking to apply for new accommodation.

The Housing ( Scotland) Act 2014 introduced a number of changes to the way in which social landlords can allocate houses.

South Ayrshire Council is now reviewing its Housing Allocations Policy, to ensure that its existing stock is used to help meet local housing needs in the most effective way.

The review will consider every aspect of the current system, including: • Streamlining waiting lists to prioritise those most in need; • The circumstances that determine whether an applicant has a ‘ reasonable preference’ for housing; • T h e re a s o n s t h a t a n application might be suspended.

A number of consultation events will be held in March and April, 2017 to give targeted groups the chance to come and discuss their preference on how the system should change. Some of the groups being approached to take part are existing housing applicants, current tenants, homeless services users, and local housing support and advice agencies.

The feedback will help inform and shape the final policy.

Anyone wishing to leave feedback as part of the consultation should do so before Friday, April 21.

Comments can be made directly to the review team by contacting South Ayrshire Council’s housing policy and strategy team on 0300 123 0900, or by email at HousingPolicyandSt@ south- ayrshire. gov. uk.