Council to Cut Thousands from Housing Register

Cherwell District Council is set to change the way it deals with applications for social housing through changes to its allocation scheme in anticipation of the coming welfare reforms.  Applicants are currently divided into five bands - one denotes the highest level of need and five the least.  The new system will operate in three stages. Households will be assessed on whether they are eligible for social housing, qualify under the new scheme and are considered to be in a "reasonable preference" category.  Applicants who are homeless, have unacceptable living conditions or need to move on medical grounds are included in the groups most likely to fit into this bracket.  Under the new rules, anyone who does not qualify and is not considered to have "reasonable preference" will no longer be allowed on the register.  Find more details on the CDC website.