Southwark’s current scheme was last updated in 2014, and the council says revisions are now necessary to reflect changes in national regulations and growing demand.
Southwark Council is considering changes to its Housing Allocations Scheme in an effort to ensure council homes are distributed fairly and prioritised for those in the greatest need.
With housing demand at record levels across London, Southwark is no exception. More than 18,000 people are currently on the borough’s housing waiting list, including over 4,000 households living in temporary accommodation. The pressure is particularly acute for larger homes, with the average wait time for a three-bedroom council property exceeding five years. Each year, fewer than 10% of applicants on the register are offered social housing, highlighting the need for a fairer and more efficient system.
The Housing Allocations Scheme determines how the council assigns social housing. Southwark’s current scheme was last updated in 2014, and the council says revisions are now necessary to reflect changes in national regulations and growing demand. The proposed adjustments aim to make the system more transparent and responsive, particularly for vulnerable groups.
“We’ve updated our proposed allocations scheme to give priority to those most in need including for example young adults leaving the care of Southwark Council, and for people who are escaping domestic violence. Our proposed scheme is now open for consultation.”
Sarah King, Cabinet Member for Council Homes
Key proposals include awarding additional priority to young adults leaving the care of Southwark Council and those fleeing domestic abuse. The council also plans to restructure the current banding system, replacing Bands 1-4 with Bands A-E. While local lettings policies will remain in place, some modifications have been proposed to improve accessibility and fairness.
The consultation process is now open, and Southwark residents are encouraged to provide their feedback before the deadline on 1 June. The council will reach out directly to those on its housing register and existing tenants to ensure they have the opportunity to share their views. Full details of the proposed changes are available on the Southwark Council website.
Councillor Sarah King, Cabinet Member for Council Homes, emphasised the importance of these reforms in addressing Southwark’s housing challenges. She said: “Council homes change lives. In Southwark, the demand for council housing is huge, as it is across London. That’s why it’s so important they go to the people in the greatest need.
“We’ve updated our proposed allocations scheme to prioritise those most vulnerable, including young adults leaving our care and people escaping domestic violence. Our scheme is now open for consultation, and we encourage residents to have their say. All feedback will be carefully considered.”
Once the consultation period ends, the council will review all responses and make any necessary adjustments before presenting a final draft for approval by its Cabinet.
