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Applying for Council Housing

 

Our district is an attractive place to live and the price of housing, both to buy and rent privately, is high. Therefore there is a strong demand for social housing.

We manage approximately 2,300 homes and nine Housing Associations have properties in the district.

To be considered for a Bridgnorth District Council property, you need to apply to join the Housing Register.

Are there any reasons why you might not accept my application?

Yes, there are five main reasons.

• You have been evicted from your home by this or any other council or registered social landlord in the last five years
• You have outstanding arrears on a former tenancy
• You have been guilty of anti social behaviour
• You have previously been threatening or abusive to officers of the council
• You have been found guilty of certain crimes e.g. anti social behaviour, paedophile activities, violence against other persons

How do I apply?

Complete and return an application form to the Housing Manager at the Council Offices, Westgate, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 5AA.

Where else can I find accommodation?

You may approach a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) sometimes called a Housing Association.

They also provide accommodation to rent and are registered with the Housing Corporation who monitor their performance.

Not all Housing Associations operate their own waiting lists and nominations are made by the council. A list of RSLs is available from Housing Services or on this site.

You can seek accommodation in the private sector and enquiries can be made at most estate agents.

You may be required to provide a deposit, meet the cost of legal fees, pay rent in advance and provide references.

You should speak to our Housing Benefit Section about the help that is available in paying your rent.

What kind of home will I be offered?

Public Sector Housing is let on the basis of need. The type of accommodation you will be offered will depend upon your age and the size of your family.

Applicants of State Pensionable age will be considered only for ground floor accommodation or a bungalow.

Single people or childless couples will only be offered flats or bedsits.

Families with children under 16 years of age will be offered a 2, 3 or 4 bedroomed house suitable to the size of the family unit.

What choice will I get?

You will be allowed to express a preference for up to two settlements in the district.

You may not specify a particular road or area e.g. Bridgnorth Low Town.

Once you have chosen your areas you may change them by writing to us.

If we make you an offer in an area of your choice and you refuse it, then your application will be deferred for a year.

How long will I have to wait?

It is not possible to say. The wait will depend upon three factors:

• The level of priority your application attracts
• The number of other applicants competing for the same type and size of property
• The number of properties coming vacant over a period of time in your area of choice.

How do you choose who gets a house?

Priority is accorded by strict reference to our published policies and a points system reflecting your housing need. Lettings are normally made to the applicant with the highest priority.

What if I am homeless or likely to become homeless shortly?

There is a separate procedure for those who are threatened with homelessness or are actually homeless

Call the Housing Service on 01746 713206 or call at the Westgate Offices.

No appointment is necessary. A separate guide is available from our main Westgate Offices.

If I am not happy with your decision what can I do?

You may appeal in writing to the Head of Housing at our Westgate Offices clearly stating your reasons for the appeal and enclosing any relevant supporting information.

How can I get more information?

Read 'Finding a Home'  which is available from our Westgate Offices or telephone 

It is available to download

By telephone

01746 713205

By email

housing@bridgnorth-dc.gov.uk

In person

By visiting the westgate office