there is no stock of a suitable size in some areas, where landlords do – not own properties of a smaller size, smaller households may be entitled to be considered for the next suitable size property. In some cases applicants may be offered a larger property if, for example, a property becomes available in a low demand area and there are no suitable applicants for that size property. In such cases that a larger property is provided to an applicant which is larger that they are entitled to, the applicant will be made fully aware of any implications in relation to Housing Benefit. 3.6.2 Type of Accommodation Applicants can usually apply for any type or size of accommodation that is suitable to their needs. However, some types of properties may only be designated to certain client groups, for example bungalows and level access accommodation will usually be offered to applicants requiring an adapted property in the first instance and sheltered or older persons accommodation will usually be offered to people over 55. Certain types of properties and areas are available more readily than other areas and applicants will receive detailed information on this during a Housing Solutions Interview (see Section 5.5). 3.6.3 Areas with greater availability of housing In some areas of Blaenau Gwent there are areas of housing that have a very short waiting lists or even no waiting list at all. In these circumstances the Council may agree with the landlord a local lettings Policy that does not rely on the Housing Allocation Scheme but allows instant access without the need for any assessment beyond eligibility. The aim of such local lettings policies will be to establish a viable community in the location. If demand increases then lettings may be brought back within the scheme. 3.6.4 Access to Children The primary carer will be classified as the parent who receives Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit or Working Family Tax Credit in respect of the child / children, and accommodation will be allocated in accordance with the criteria set out above in Section 3.6.1. Applicants who are separated or divorced, have joint custody, and can evidence via a Court Order or legal agreement that they provide essential support to the primary carer may be considered for a property based on the family size. Applicants who do qualify for this reason for a larger property will be awarded reasonable preference category s167 (2)(d) and placed in the Gold Band. Applicants will need to provide evidence, such as birth certificate, to support their application and each application will be assessed individually.
there is no stock of a suitable size – in some areas, where landlords do not own properties of a smaller size, smaller households may be entitled to be considered for the next suitable size property. In some cases applicants may be offered a larger property if, for example, a property becomes available in a low demand area and there are no suitable applicants for that size property. In such cases that a larger property is provided to an applicant which is larger that they are entitled to, the applicant will be made fully aware of any implications in relation to Housing Benefit. 3.6.2 Type of Accommodation Applicants can usually apply for any type or size of accommodation that is suitable to their needs. However, some types of properties may only be designated to certain client groups, for example bungalows and level access accommodation will usually be offered to applicants requiring an adapted property in the first instance and sheltered or older persons accommodation will usually be offered to people over 55. Certain types of properties and areas are available more readily than other areas and applicants will receive detailed information on this during a Housing Solutions Interview (see Section 5.5). 3.6.3 Areas with greater availability of housing In some areas of Blaenau Gwent there are areas of housing that have a very short waiting lists or even no waiting list at all. In these circumstances the Council may agree with the landlord a local lettings Policy that does not rely on the Housing Allocation Scheme but allows instant access without the need for any assessment beyond eligibility. The aim of such local lettings policies will be to establish a viable community in the location. If demand increases then lettings may be brought back within the scheme. 3.6.4 Access to Children The primary carer will be classified as the parent who receives Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit or Working Family Tax Credit in respect of the child / children, and accommodation will be allocated in accordance with the criteria set out above in Section 3.6.1. Applicants who are separated or divorced, have joint custody, and can evidence via a Court Order or legal agreement that they provide essential support to the primary carer may be considered for a property based on the family size. Applicants who do qualify for this reason for a larger property will be awarded reasonable preference category s167 (2)(d) and placed in the Gold Band. Applicants will need to provide evidence, such as birth certificate, to support their application and each application will be assessed individually.
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