After extensive public consultation, Milton Keynes Council’s Cabinet adopted a new radical Housing Allocations policy on Tuesday 9 July.

The new Housing Resister will:

• Assist applicants in the highest assessed need and reduce the number of people who apply as homeless as their only option.
• Better manage access to social housing in Milton Keynes.
• Introduce a three year local connection requirement.
• Introduce an income threshold for different sized homes.
• Allow owner occupiers with care needs a route in to social housing.
• Provide properties with an extra room for carers.

It will cover Milton Keynes’ 12,500 Council houses, some Housing Association and social housing properties.

By working together, the cities’ social housing providers are tackling the housing problems faced by residents of Milton Keynes such as overcrowding, homelessness, insecure housing and the care needs of an ageing population.

The new Housing Allocations policy also lays the groundwork for the introduction of Choice Based Lettings later this year. Once they are up and running, both will help build stronger and more sustainable communities.

Cllr Nigel Long, Cabinet member for Housing and regeneration, said: “The new Housing Allocation policy has been given strong support in the consultation with residents and partners. It will give priority to Milton Keynes residents with the greatest need. It also lays the groundwork for the move to Choice Based Lettings.”

Cllr Long added:“We will be developing local lettings priorities so that we can get a balance between meeting housing need and the long term sustainability of local communities. I want to see greater support for older people so that their children can have access to housing in the area where they grew up. This will help build care and support for ageing parents. It helps build community cohesion.”

Cllr Long continued: “We will use local Lettings to give priority to new social housing being built, whether by the Council or our Housing Association partners. We want to build strong, inclusive and supportive communities.”

Cllr Long conclude: “Milton Keynes needs many new affordable and social housing properties. But it also needs to ensure that in the letting of properties we meet priority housing needs and help build stronger communities.”