Everyone on Trafford council's house waiting list has to re-register after change in policy

Those on the council’s housing waiting list have to re-register on the council’s website after it made changes to its housing allocations policy.

The council has stated there is a “significant shortage” of housing association homes in Trafford compared to the number of people looking to be housed, but it is now legally bound to support those facing homelessness.

The Homelessness Reduction Act (first introduced as far back as April 2018) placed new legal duties on councils to ensure anyone at risk of homelessness has to get access to meaningful help, regardless of their priority need status, so long as they are eligible for assistance.

Tameside has had success with its rough sleeper unit (PA)

Trafford Council has since had to make changes to its Housing Allocations Policy, with priority for housing being given to those faced with an immediate risk of homelessness (so long as they are assessed to be eligible for support).

Now, the council has said that any resident wishing to remain on Trafford’s Housing Register must re-register before Sunday July 12, 2020, where they will be assessed according to their needs.

A 30-minute assessment form is now available on the council’s website.

Completing the application form registers you with Trafford Home Choice for housing within Trafford.

All those re-registering or applying for the first time need to be registered with Trafford Home Choice to be able to express an interest in available Housing Association homes in the borough.

(PA)

As part of the application form, the council said: “There is a significant shortage of housing association properties across Trafford compared to the number of people looking to be housed.

“We will provide you with housing options to offer you the best chance of moving to a new home in Trafford which meets your needs.

“The options will include private renting, low-cost home ownership, renting a property from a housing association or if you are already a housing association tenant looking for a mutual exchange.

“The answers you give will be used to create a personalised plan showing the best options for you based on your circumstances. It will give an indication of whether you will qualify for the housing list.”

Trafford Town Hall (MEN)

If you are homeless now or expect to become homeless in the next 56 days, you should contact the Housing Options Service Trafford (HOST) for a homelessness assessment.

Please register your details here or contact HOST on 0161 912 2230 or email host@salixhomes.co.uk.

To re-register on the council’s housing list via the assessment form, visit the council’s website here: https://traffordhomechoice.co.uk/onlineform/.