Policy will deliver ‘consistent and equitable’ approach to allocation of Salford housing

Salford City Council’s cabinet has approved its Housing Allocation Policy for 2025-2028.

It sets out how social rented housing is allocated within the area and how residents on the housing register are prioritised, taking into account local considerations and needs.

The policy underpins the council’s wider strategic priorities of its Corporate Plan 2024 to 2028 and commitment to ‘a good home for all’.

Housing options available will be dependent on the level and type of housing need, in addition to the size, type and location of available properties. Each application is assessed on its own merits.

The need and strong demand for social housing currently outweighs the availability of social housing, with around 4,500 people on the council’s housing register at any one time. This includes many of the 787 households currently housed in temporary accommodation. However, fewer than 900 properties are advertised or let every year, through the register.

Furthermore, the city faces a number of challenges in the form of increasing homelessness, temporary accommodation use and costs.

This policy, therefore, underpins the council’s wider strategic priorities which are: Homelessness prevention, making the best use of housing assets, supporting the council’s corporate parenting role/responsibilities, reducing the impact of domestic abuse, including the cycle of abuse, and an anti-poverty approach.

The policy is based on:

• A fair system for the allocation of housing accommodation, which is transparent and easy to understand.
• Making best use of increasingly scarce social housing stock.
• Preventing homelessness and reduce the usage and length of stay in temporary accommodation.
• Giving priority to applicants with the greatest housing need.
• Managing customer expectations by supporting people to make realistic and informed choices about where they live.
• Creating sustainable tenancies in the light of welfare reform.
• Creating balanced and stable communities.

A first stage public consultation took place in March 2024, to review the existing policy criteria, which included members of the public, local organisations, key stakeholders and partners.

A second stage public consultation was held in December 2024, to further explore the suggested and proposed policy changes, including engagement with vulnerable people who shared their real-life experiences.

The outcome of this review and public consultation recommended 16 changes to be implemented within the new Allocation Policy. A further review will take place in 2027/28 or earlier if required by new legislation or government guidance.

The housing options available to a household will be dependent on the level and type of housing need. Each application will be assessed on its own merits and exceptional circumstances will also be taken into consideration. Housing options and advice aim to achieve:

• Help and support to remain in current accommodation.
• Advice on securing alternative private rented accommodation.
• Advice on mobility schemes that may help a household move out of the area.
• Advice to current social housing tenants on mutual exchange.
• Advice on low cost home ownership options.
• Access to the housing register to obtain social housing.

Cllr Tracy Kelly, lead member for housing and anti-poverty at Salford City Council, said: “The policy enables the council to deliver a consistent and equitable approach to the allocation of social housing in Salford, to help us meet the housing needs of residents in our communities.

“We recognise that social housing is in high demand, both in Salford and across the country, which is why we are continuing to deliver on our pledge to build good quality homes as well as truly affordable homes for social rent alongside support for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.”

She added: “The need for affordable housing options in Salford means that it’s vital we continue to work to create long term solutions to turn the situation around and provide truly affordable housing in our city which local people need and deserve.”

People wanting to apply to the housing register can do so on the housing register. Anyone who needs housing advice, is homeless or feel they are at risk of losing their home can request an appointment on the Salford City Council website.

A number of Registered Housing Providers (landlords of social rented homes) also advertise properties on Salford City Council’s website.