Liverpool

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Council Housing

Affordable housing provided by the local council for eligible residents, often aimed at low-income individuals or families.

Sections

1. How the Council Housing System Works in Liverpool

Council housing is designed to provide affordable, secure, and long-term accommodation for people who cannot afford private rental housing or who are in vulnerable situations. In Liverpool, the council no longer directly owns or manages housing stock. Instead, housing associations (also known as Registered Providers) manage the properties. The council works with these associations to allocate housing through a centralized system called Property Pool Plus.

Property Pool Plus is the main platform for applying for social housing in Liverpool and the surrounding areas. It operates as a choice-based letting system, where applicants can bid for available properties that meet their needs.

2. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for council housing in Liverpool, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. These include:

a. Residency and Immigration Status

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must have the legal right to reside in the UK. This includes British citizens, EU/EEA nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and non-EU nationals with indefinite leave to remain or refugee status.
  • You must have a local connection to Liverpool (e.g., living, working, or having close family in the area). Exceptions may apply for those fleeing domestic violence or other emergencies.

b. Housing Need

Priority is given to individuals and families with the greatest housing need. This includes:

  • Homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness.
  • People living in overcrowded or unsuitable housing.
  • Individuals with medical or disability-related housing needs.
  • Victims of domestic abuse or harassment.
  • People leaving care or supported accommodation.

c. Financial Assessment

  • Applicants must demonstrate that they cannot afford private rental housing. If you have significant savings or income, you may not qualify for council housing.

3. Application Procedure

The process for applying for council housing in Liverpool involves several steps:

Step 1: Register on Property Pool Plus

  • Visit the Property Pool Plus website (https://www.propertypoolplus.org.uk) and create an account.
  • Complete the online application form, providing details about your household, income, current housing situation, and any specific needs (e.g., medical conditions).
  • Submit supporting documents, such as proof of identity, immigration status, income, and medical evidence (if applicable).

Step 2: Assessment and Banding

  • Once your application is submitted, it will be assessed, and you will be placed into a priority band based on your housing need:
    • Band A: Urgent need (e.g., homelessness, severe medical needs).
    • Band B: High need (e.g., overcrowding, moderate medical needs).
    • Band C: Medium need (e.g., general housing need but no immediate urgency).
    • Band D: Low need (e.g., no significant housing issues).
  • Your band determines your priority for housing.

Step 3: Bidding for Properties

  • Once accepted onto the system, you can bid for available properties listed on Property Pool Plus.
  • Properties are allocated based on priority band and the length of time you have been waiting.

Step 4: Offer of Accommodation

  • If you are successful in your bid, you will be contacted by the housing association managing the property.
  • You may be invited to view the property before accepting the offer.

4. Associated Costs

Council housing is more affordable than private rentals, but there are still costs to consider:

a. Rent

  • Rent varies depending on the size, location, and type of property. On average, council housing rents in Liverpool range from ยฃ300 to ยฃ600 per month, significantly lower than private rental rates.

b. Service Charges

  • Some properties may have additional service charges for communal areas, maintenance, or utilities.

c. Deposit

  • Unlike private rentals, council housing typically does not require a deposit.

d. Council Tax

  • Tenants are responsible for paying council tax. Discounts or exemptions may apply for low-income households, students, or single occupants.

5. Waiting Times

Waiting times for council housing in Liverpool can vary significantly depending on your priority band, the type of property you need, and the areas you are bidding for. Key factors include:

  • High-demand areas: Properties in popular neighborhoods may have longer waiting times.
  • Property type: Larger homes (e.g., 3+ bedrooms) and adapted properties for disabled tenants are in higher demand.
  • Priority band: Applicants in Band A or B are likely to be housed more quickly than those in Band C or D.

On average:

  • High-priority applicants may wait a few months.
  • Lower-priority applicants may wait several years.

6. Local Considerations and Resources

Liverpool has unique aspects to consider when applying for council housing:

a. Housing Associations

  • Major housing associations in Liverpool include Riverside, Plus Dane Housing, and Your Housing Group. These organizations manage most of the council housing stock and provide additional support services.

b. Homelessness Support

  • If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, contact Liverpool City Councilโ€™s Housing Options Service immediately. They can provide emergency accommodation and help you apply for council housing.

c. Affordable Housing Alternatives

  • If council housing is not immediately available, consider other affordable housing options, such as private rentals with housing benefit or Universal Credit support.

d. Community Support

  • Liverpool has a strong sense of community, and local charities and organizations can provide additional help. Examples include:
    • Shelter: Offers housing advice and support.
    • The Whitechapel Centre: Specializes in homelessness prevention.
    • Citizens Advice Liverpool: Provides guidance on housing rights and benefits.

7. Cultural and Practical Tips

  • Be proactive: Regularly log in to Property Pool Plus to check for new listings and bid on properties.
  • Be flexible: Consider a wider range of neighborhoods to increase your chances of being housed more quickly.
  • Seek advice: If you are unsure about the process, contact Liverpool City Council or a local housing charity for guidance.
  • Understand your rights: As a council tenant, you have legal protections, including secure tenancy agreements and the right to repairs.

8. Contact Information

For further assistance, you can contact:

  • Liverpool City Council Housing Options Service: 0151 233 3069
  • Property Pool Plus: 0151 233 3060 or visit https://www.propertypoolplus.org.uk
  • Shelter Housing Advice Line: 0808 800 4444

By following this guide, you should have a clear understanding of how to navigate the council housing system in Liverpool. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask!