Councillors endorse Dorset Council’s new housing allocations policy and renewal process
Last night, Councillors at Full Council approved the Housing Allocations Policy 2026–2031, replacing the existing policy so the Housing Register remains fair, consistent and based on up-to-date information.
The policy, which is reviewed every five years, explains who can join the housing register and how social housing is prioritised and allocated.
The launch date for the new policy is 1 September 2026 and most of the 6,921 people who are currently on the register, will be asked to complete a simple renewal of their existing application.
Anyone registered more recently and after the 01 January 2026 will not be asked to complete a renewal because the information will be up to date and instead will be automatically reassessed.
Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, Gill Taylor said: “Social housing is in short supply, so it’s vital that our system is clear, consistent and based on accurate information.
“This is not a reapplication, and the Housing Register is not closing. People do not need to start again. Instead, they will be asked to check that the information already held about them is still correct.
This renewal process is about keeping the register up to date and making sure everyone is assessed in the same way under the new policy.
People don’t need to worry, we will contact them directly, explain exactly what they need to do, and support anyone who needs help. Importantly, people can continue to bid for homes while this work is going on.”
The process of renewal will take place gradually over several months. All applicants will be written to by the end of April 2026 to advise them of the changes to come and from 1 May 2026, we will start contacting the applicants on the Housing Register to ask them to renew their application.
For most applicants, renewing will mean confirming that nothing has changed. If circumstances have changed such as address, household size, income or employment applicants will be able to update their details and upload any supporting documents through their online account.
Between 1 May 2026 and 31 August 2026 while the new Housing Allocations Policy is being prepared to go live, new applications will either be assessed under both the current Housing Allocations Policy (2021–2026), and the new Housing Allocations Policy (2026–2031) or just assessed under the new policy only, so they are ready for when it comes into effect.
From 1 September 2026, all applications to the housing register will be assessed only under the new Housing Allocations Policy (2026–2031).
If people are asked to provide supporting documentation, they should do so quickly to ensure they remain on the register. Anyone who cannot complete the process online will be contacted by an officer.
Once a renewal has been reviewed, applicants will be told their housing band under the new policy. Some people will receive this before 1 September 2026, while others may hear afterwards. If someone is shortlisted for a home before their renewal is complete, their assessment will be prioritised so there is no delay.
The updated policy includes:
- A clearer banding system that uses numbers instead of letters. Many people will remain in the same level of priority, but bands may look different because of the new numbering.
- Simplified local connection requirements, so they are consistent and clearer.
- Changes to how overcrowding is assessed, with bedroom need staying the same.
- The over 55s will now follow the same local connection rules as everyone else.
- Income and savings amounts will now be assessed separately, rather than combined.
The policy was published in summer 2025 as part of a 12-week statutory public consultation, attracting 713 responses from residents, partners and stakeholders. With feedback from the consultation shaping the updated policy.
It was previously discussed by members of the council’s People and Health Overview committee, and Cabinet.
Categories: Housing Services
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