Who should get a council house?

Residents and landlords are being asked for their views on two housing policies being prepared by Bury Council.

The Allocation Policy looks specifically at who should get priority for council housing – the properties run by Six Town Housing. With some 3,700 people chasing 800 vacancies last year, the council is looking to target housing to those most in need. This includes those who may be losing their home, experiencing over-crowding, living in poor conditions or requiring additional support due to frailty or disability.

The council is also preparing a second policy for social and private landlords, called the Strategic Tenancy Policy, on how tenancies should operate. Key points of discussion are the continuation of lifetime tenancies, reserving adapted properties for people with disabilities, and not charging higher rents, at least in the short term, for higher income earners.

You can read both draft policies atBuryTown Hall, Six Town Housing reception, the Benefits Office atWhittaker Street, Radcliffe, and at all local libraries. You can also fill out a questionnaire at these locations, or return the completed forms to Rebecca Shellard, Bury Council, Adult Care Services, First Floor, Textile Hall, Bury, BL9 0DG.

You can also take part in online consultation:

* The reports and questionnaire are at www.bury.gov.uk/housingconsultation. If you do not have a personal computer, access can be arranged at most public libraries.

* Or email your views to consultallocations@bury.gov.uk or consultstrategic@bury.gov.uk

Alternatively, attend one of these consultation events:

* Wednesday 31 Oct, Radcliffe Civic Suite, from 9am to noon.

* Wed 7 Nov, Longfield Suite, Prestwich, from 2pm to 5pm.

* Monday 12 Nov, Mosses Centre,Cecil Street, Bury, from 6pm to 9pm.

The consultation lasts until the end of November. If you have any queries about either the Allocation Policy or the Strategic Tenancy Policy, contact Rebecca Shellard on 0161 253 5609 who will arrange for someone to contact you.

 ENDS

Press release issued: 30 October 2012.