Housing Assessment

All applicants for social housing will have their circumstances assessed in accordance with our Allocation scheme.

It is likely that anyone without a local connection to Ashford or who already has adequate accommodation with financial means, will not qualify.

Applicants are placed within one of four bands, based on their housing need. Band H for individuals that are owed a homelessness duty, Band A for individuals with an urgent housing need, Band B for individuals with significant housing need and Band C for individuals with ongoing housing need.

The application date will determine where each application is placed within each band. However, when there is an applicable change in circumstances, any amendment that results in a person being afforded a higher priority, shall be given a new priority date.

Please see our summarised or full Allocation Scheme [433KB] for further details

It is important to understand that demand for social housing far outweighs supply, so whilst you may be accepted onto the housing register, we do not guarantee to rehouse you. The priority awarded will dictate your chances of success and timescale.

We encourage that you explore the private sector to resolve your housing need as this remain your most realistic housing option.

Appealing a decision

If you believe that your assessment is incorrect or if you disagree with any other decision that has been made about your housing register that is subject to a review request under Section 10 of our Allocation scheme, you can submit a review request within 21 days from the date you receive this decision.

A request for a review can be made in writing, for example by letter or email through your portal, or verbally, such as by telephone or by visiting our office. When requesting a review, you should clearly explain the reasons for your request. Please note that requests received after the 21‑day period may not be considered.

Judicial Review

If you believe our decision to be unlawful after dealing with your request for a review, you have the right to seek a judicial review with the County Court. Please seek independent legal advice on how to go about this. This would need to be filed promptly, and in any event no later than 3 months after the grounds to make the claim first occurred.

Complaints 

If you remain dissatisfied with how your application has been considered or managed, you have the right to make a complaint in accordance with our complaint procedure, which sets out how complaints are considered and the timescales involved. You can get further information about this via our website.