Stricter Rules Target Council House Waiting List

Norwich and South Norfolk councils have introduced stricter rules for social housing allocations in a bid to focus support on those most in need.  They have tightened the waiting list rules after research into their choice based lettings scheme, by KPMG, revealed that about 70% of applicants in south Norfolk had little or no need for social homes, while just over half of the 4,000 applicants on the register, including one applicant who registered in 1968, had never bid for a home.  Norwich City Council - which has nearly 7,000 households on its register - said it had people living in Glasgow on its waiting list.  New rules now mean people on the register need a local connection and must apply on the phone or in person.  Meanwhile, South Norfolk Council - which has just over 4,000 households on its register - has replaced its online application form with an interview by council staff after 80% of applicants were found to be incorrectly filling out their application form.  In addition, households who find a home are prohibited from joining the register for a year.  Read more on the Norwich Evening News website.