WREXHAM Council will stop accepting social housing applications for three weeks from Friday, February 21.
Visitors to the council’s website homepage have this week been greeted by a message apologising for any inconvenience due to the suspension, which will last until Monday, March 17.
The reason for the temporary measure is so that essential updates can be made to the application processing system to factor in changes to Wrexham’s housing allocation policy, which is due to come into force on March 17.
Among the changes in the policy will be the end of local lettings policies that allow some social housing developments to be allocated solely to over 50s. Sheltered accommodation and bungalows will be exempt from this change.
There will also be changes for tenant families on the waiting list for a house. Currently those living in a flat for at least two years with a child under 10 are rated in priority Band Two. From March that will change, with tenants specifically having to live in Wrexham County Borough and have a child under the age of 16.
For tenants with medical or welfare considerations the Band Three rating will be scrapped, as so few applicants were allocated under it. Band One and Two will remain for those who qualify.
And tenants who deliberately damage their homes to try to move up the priority list will now be moved into Band Five – the lowest level – instead of Band Four.
“Following Wrexham County Borough Council’s consultation period on the proposed changes to the allocations policy and Executive Board giving approval, the Allocations Team are now preparing for the changes,” confirmed Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change and deputy leader of Wrexham Council Cllr David Bithell.
“This involves updating the Housing Management System and all current Housing Applications in readiness for the go live date of March 17.
“A smooth transition requires staff to make the necessary changes. Applicants will receive communications directly from the department.”
Housing officers are available throughout this period and can be contacted on 01978 292068, by emailing [email protected] or by visiting the Housing Services office on Lambpit Street between 9am and 4pm Monday-Friday.
