In the UK, local authorities use a points-based system to prioritize social housing applications. The number of points you are awarded depends on your current living situation and level of housing need.
The more points you have, the higher you will be on the waiting list. However, the exact number of points needed to obtain social housing varies across different local authorities. There is no definitive answer on how many points guarantee you will be allocated a property.
Some key factors that impact your points score include:
- Overcrowding
- Poor housing conditions
- Health/medical needs
- Homelessness
- Financial hardship
Generally, those with the highest assessed need in a local area will be prioritized for available social housing. Competition can be fierce in certain places, meaning a high points score is required.
How are housing points calculated?
Each local authority has its own allocation policy that determines how points are awarded. However, some common criteria include:
Overcrowding
Points are given based on the number of bedrooms a household lacks to avoid overcrowding. Lacking 1 bedroom would receive certain points, while lacking 2+ bedrooms results in more points. Severe overcrowding generates higher priority.
Poor housing conditions
Points can be awarded if your current home is in disrepair, unfit for habitation, or lacks basic amenities. Things like a leaky roof, damp, lack of hot water/heating, and pest infestations demonstrate poor conditions.
Health and medical needs
Serious illnesses and disabilities may warrant extra points, especially if the current accommodation is unsuitable. For example, being unable to access a bathroom upstairs due to mobility issues.
Homelessness
Applicants who are statutory homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days get reasonable preference for social housing. This includes those staying in temporary accommodation.
Financial hardship
If housing costs are unaffordable based on income, extra points can be given. Factors like spending over 30% of income on rent or being in debt/arrears are assessed.
Other potential factors
– Local connection to the area
– Employment or training opportunities
– Support needs
– Children needing their own bedroom
Some local policies may also award points for time spent on the waiting list.
How points are awarded in practice
While the criteria used are generally similar across the UK, the number of points allocated per factor can vary between local authorities.
To provide a rough guide on points systems, here are two examples from major cities:
Manchester City Council
Overcrowding:
– 1 bedroom lacking = 20 points
– 2+ bedrooms lacking = 30 points
Unsanitary/unsafe housing conditions:
– Moderate problems = 10 points
– Severe problems = 20 points
Homelessness:
– Threatened with homelessness = 30 points
– Statutory homeless = 60 points
Medical assessments range from 10 to 30 points depending on severity. Financial hardship is 10 points.
Applicants with 200+ points are “emergency” priority. 100-199 points is “high” priority. 50-99 is “medium” priority.
Birmingham City Council
Overcrowding:
– 1 bedroom lacking = 10 points
– 2 bedrooms lacking = 25 points
Poor housing conditions:
– Lacking amenities/in poor repair = 5 points
– Statutory overcrowding = 10 points
Homelessness:
– Homeless or threatened = 200 points
Urgent medical need: 60 points. Right to Move for employment: 500 points.
Band 1 is for reasonable preference categories. Band 2 is general applications. Band 3 is reduced priority.
This shows the variation in points systems between councils. Check your local authority’s allocation policy for their specific awards.
How many points are needed?
Given the diversity of points schemes, there is no definitive number of points that will guarantee you are housed.
As a very rough guide:
– 100+ points indicates high assessed need that should put you high on the waiting list. But you may still face long waits in high demand areas.
– 200+ points suggests very high priority need that should fast track you up the list. However, you are not necessarily guaranteed quick housing.
– Over 300 points indicates very severe housing issues that warrant urgent priority. But vacancies may still be scarce.
– 500+ points would typically make you a top priority case in most areas. But isolated examples of 1+ year waits with 500+ points demonstrate it is not a magic number.
Ultimately, the number of applicants with similar or higher points affects your wait. Even high points face delays in supply-constrained places. The key is assessing how your points rank within your local area.
Check the typical points levels being housed in your council. Talk to their housing team about where your points put you in the queue. This gives a better idea of prospects than points alone.
How to increase your points score
If you are not being awarded enough points, here are some tips to potentially increase your score:
- Get reassessed if your circumstances change, like more overcrowding.
- Request a review if you believe you were not properly assessed.
- Provide more evidence on your situation, like doctor letters on medical conditions.
- Check the policy again for any criteria you may be eligible for but did not claim.
- Speak to support services about having priority needs officially recognized.
- Seek assistance if threatened with homelessness within 56 days.
- Ask about applying in other local authority areas.
Build your case with as much supporting evidence as possible. Be proactive in contacting the housing team about increasing points.
What are banding systems?
Some local authorities use banding systems rather than numerical points:
- Band A/1 is for urgent priority cases
- Band B/2 is high priority
- Band C/3 is medium priority
- Band D/4 is low priority
Bands work the same way as points, with housing allocated first to those in the highest band.
Check your local policy to see if they use a banded or points-based approach. The same criteria are assessed, just expressed differently.
Appealing your points or band
You have the right to appeal your points score or band if you believe the assessment was unfair or mistakes were made.
The process involves:
- Informal review – discuss the decision with housing officers first.
- Formal appeal – submit a written request citing your grounds for appeal.
- Review panel – your case will be reviewed afresh by a panel.
- Decision – the panel will notify you of their decision.
If the appeal is successful, your points/band will be reconsidered. Your application will be reassessed accordingly.
Get appeal advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice if needed. Be prepared to justify why your housing needs warrant more priority.
What if I have no local connection?
Some local authorities require a local connection for housing. This means normally living or working in the area for several years.
If you do not have a local connection, you may get reduced priority. But reasonable preference categories like homelessness can override this.
Check if your preferred areas specify a connection test. If so, you may wish to apply where you have established connections through residence or employment.
Special circumstances
Certain applicants get reasonable or additional preference for social housing:
- Former armed forces personnel
- People fleeing domestic violence
- Families of prisoners with release dates
- Fostering or adoption cases
- People leaving government care
Ensure you declare any special circumstances that may apply when you apply.
You can also request priority status on the grounds of welfare needs. For example, needing to move to give/receive care. These are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Are extra points awarded for long waits?
A “time on the list” or waiting time criterion used to be common. This awarded applicants extra points for each year spent on the housing register.
However, changes to allocation rules mean length of time is no longer supposed to be a factor in prioritization. Policies must be based on need alone.
Nonetheless, some councils still award a small number of additional points for waiting periods over 5 years. But the impact on priority is generally minimal.
Do not expect long waits under the current system to significantly increase points. Focus efforts on demonstrating housing need instead.
Do I need to reapply to renew points?
You do not typically need to reapply from scratch to maintain your points.
Your housing application will remain open and active for as long as you are eligible. Your points can be renewed based on any changes in circumstances.
However, make sure you:
- Inform the council of any address changes
- Update your application if household changes
- Respond to periodic reviews checking if still in need
Councils may close applications if they lose contact with applicants or there is no response confirming ongoing priority need.
Check contact details are up to date. Notify of any changes affecting your assessment. Respond promptly to any reviews.
Are points transferable between councils?
Unfortunately housing points are not transferable between local authorities.
Each council operates their own allocation policy. Your points in one borough do not carry over if you apply in another area.
You have to be reassessed under the new council’s specific points system. The number awarded can vary widely.
Before moving areas, consider contacting councils to get an idea of how they may assess your needs. Weigh up where you are likely to have most success.
Do I lose points when offered a property?
Typically you will retain the same points if you refuse a property offer.
Declining an offer does not normally reduce your priority. But continual refusals can eventually warrant lowering your points or band.
Ensure you have valid reasons for turning down properties, such as location being too far from family support.
Ask about when refusing an offer risks points being decreased. Be strategic when deciding what accommodation is suitable.
Points for over 55s housing
Some social housing is designated for over 55s only. The points system operates slightly differently:
- Reasonable preference categories still apply
- Health/mobility needs assessed
- But less emphasis on overcrowding
- More focus on social isolation risks
Over 55s with assessed support needs get highest priority. Contact sheltered housing teams about availability in your area.
Appropriate points for your needs
The key is being awarded enough points to reflect your genuine housing requirements. Avoid exaggeration, but ensure priority needs like medical issues are evidence-backed.
Seek advice from housing charities like Shelter if you believe your situation warrants higher points. Make sure your particular circumstances are properly factored in.
With accurate assessment, the points system enables social housing to be allocated fairly to those in greatest need.
What next?
– Check your council’s allocation policy for points criteria
– Gather supporting evidence on your situation
– Ensure priority needs are fully assessed
– Track where your points rank locally for prospects
– Appeal if you believe your points are too low
– Update housing teams on any changes
– Be patient but persistent in your social housing search