People with no connection to Luton will no longer be given social housing, the council announced today (August 6).
Until now, applicants from anywhere in the world could request a council house, but now they will have to show they have lived in Luton for more than three years, or worked in the town for more than 12 months.
Anyone who has been guilty of behaviour such as domestic violence will also find they are not given priority.
Councillor Tom Shaw, portfolio holder for housing, said: “We have a massive challenge in Luton with demand for housing far exceeding our very limited supply. I am therefore pleased that we now have a fair and transparent policy in place that ensures that priority is giving to those who need and deserve it most.”
There are currently more than 8,000 people on Luton’s housing waiting list which a council spokesperson described as “unmanageable”.
Other changes to the rules mean that homeowners, people with housing or council tax debt or anyone with a history of violence will no longer be giving priority for social housing.
A new category of assistance has also been introduced for injured former armed services personnel.
The review of the policy was also prompted by a change in the law which allows the council to arrange for homeless families seeking help to be given a property in the private sector and not necessarily in a council or housing association flat or house.
In addition the policy reflects the Government’s Welfare Reform Act by supporting council tenants under occupying their home by offering priority for a transfer to downsize.
This will open up opportunities for currently overcrowded households who need to upsize.
The council’s executive agreed the new policy last week and the changes will be phased in over a number of months.
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