Apply to the housing register

To apply for social housing you need to join the housing register by visiting the Homechoice website. You will need to provide proof of ID and proof of your circumstances.

Housing Allocations Policy

Following consultation with key stakeholders, a workshop with Councillors and a public consultation, the updated Joint Housing Allocations Policy was approved by both councils in July 2025 and takes effect from 28 October 2025.

The keys changes to the policy are:

The income and savings threshold has increased from £60,000 to £80,000
The level of rent arrears allowed has increased from £500 to £1,000
The list of exclusions that relate to unacceptable behaviour has been amended
The priority banding for homeless households in temporary accommodation has increased from significant housing need (Band 3) to urgent housing need (Band 2).

A copy of the updated Housing Allocations Policy is available here.

For alternative ways of finding a new home please see Finding a home.