Views sought on new social housing criteria for Renfrewshire

The Council has been working with four local housing associations – Bridgewater, Linstone, Paisley and Williamsburgh housing associations – to develop a draft Common Housing Allocation Policy for Renfrewshire which all five landlords will use.

They are keen to get the views of housing applicants, existing tenants and other people who have an interest in how housing is allocated by the five social landlords which collectively own and manage over 17,000 homes in Renfrewshire.

The proposed new policy would mean the Council and housing associations would all use the same approach, no matter which organisation residents approached.

Their aim is to make it easier and more straightforward for people to apply for housing.

The draft Common Policy takes account of legal requirements and best practice guidance, including the duty to give priority to people in housing need along with changes introduced by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014.

Councillor Marie McGurk, who is Convener of the Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “Having a single policy that covers Renfrewshire-based social housing organisations will make it simpler for people who are applying to either the Council or one of the four local housing associations.

“It means that if people choose to apply to another organisation for social housing, that they know their circumstances will be treated in the same way. We will be consulting with tenants, housing associations and other housing groups in November to ensure that the new proposals are fit for purpose.

“I would urge everyone to get involved in these events and give us their views on the proposed policy.”

The consultations take place on:

Tuesday 13 November, 11am – 2pm in Johnstone Town Hall
Wednesday 14 November, 4pm – 7pm in Paisley Town Hall
Thursday 15 November, 11am – 2pm in Renfrew Town Hall

For more information, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/commonallocationpolicy