Changes to how residents can apply and be assessed for social housing in the Dorset Council area start today (19 July).
The council is introducing a new housing allocation scheme called Dorset Council Home Choice. It will replace legacy policies and housing registers which have been in place since before the reorganisation of local government in Dorset in 2019.
Applicants asked to register on new system
So that applications can be assessed using the new Dorset Council Home Choice policy, the council’s current housing registers will close to new applications today (19/7).
Current applicants will need to wait one week before being able to apply to join the new Dorset Council Home Choice register from Monday 26 July.
All re-registrations will be assessed against the new criteria outlined in the Dorset Council Home Choice policy.
The council will write to anyone who re-applies with the outcome of their assessment.
Dorset Council has ensured that customers have been contacted by letter or email before 19 July 2021 to explain the new arrangements.
New website
As part of the changes, the council is introducing a new website to improve the experience of customers applying for social housing.
The new Dorset Council Home Choice site will give applicants a personal customer account. This means an applicant can log in to their account at any time and:
- view the status of their application
- submit documents
- receive messages
- complete outstanding actions
Applicants will also be able to see all types of properties that are advertised.
Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety said:
“The introduction of the new policy and website means we’ll be able to offer a consistent approach and an enhanced customer experience to people in housing need across the Dorset Council area.
“I appreciate that it’s not ideal that we’re asking people to wait a week before they can re-apply but it is necessary in order to get the new system up and running.
“We have written to everyone who is currently registered with us advising of the changes and the steps they need to take next.
“We know that this change will cause increased pressure on the housing service in the short term while large volumes of new applications need to be assessed, so please bear with us.
“If you need help to complete the application please ask a friend, family member or indeed your local councillor in the first instance. If you have no one to help or need technical support, please contact Housing on dorsetcouncilhomechoice@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or by calling 01305 221739.”
Special circumstances
There will be an interim arrangement between 19 July and 1 October for current applicants who have a change in circumstances or an emergency. Homeless referrals and applications will continue to be referred in the way they are now.
More information
For more information on the new Dorset Council Home Choice housing allocations policy and website visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/housing/re-registration-process
See previous news releases about Dorset Council’s approach to housing allocation.
Not everybody is on line or has a smart phone. Not everybody is tech savvy.
I for one cannot or do not know how to upload docs or photos!! So how do I complete new registration???? I am a Pensioner and need help and I am very worried about what will happen to me in the future!!
Do not presume everybody knows how to be on line!!!???
Marion – To quote Cllr Graham Carr-Jones in the article “If you need help to complete the application please ask a friend, family member or indeed your local councillor in the first instance. If you have no one to help or need technical support, please contact Housing on dorsetcouncilhomechoice@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or by calling 01305 221739.”
How do I get the new register form so I can apply for a property to move from Bristol to weymouth
Hi Maryanne, the housing register is temporarily closed to new applicants while the new Dorset Council Home Choice website and allocations policy are being introduced. There’s a temporary arrangement in place if you have a change of circumstances or urgent housing need. Find out more on this page https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/re-registration-process
Kind regards,
Imogen
I need help whit
Hi, if you need help you can find information about the Dorset Council housing register and choice based lettings scheme: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/housing-register
Ive been on the purbeck housing list for 8 months as we are homeless. I have family ties here so does that even matter anymore? Can anyone go anywhere now?
The website is very difficult. I like many others have not been able to reregister. What will happen ? I need to move nearer to a decent bus service.
Hi Ann
Sorry to hear you’re having trouble. If you need some technical support to re-register, please contact our Housing Team on dorsetcouncilhomechoice@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or by calling 01305 221739.
Thanks
Imogen
My son and two daughters live in Weymouth
I can’t afford to purchase a property. Can we
go on a list for housing. I am 84 and my wife
is 73. Thank you.
Hi Ann, you can find out more information about applying to be on our housing register online at http://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/housing-register, this includes information about eligibility criteria and supporting documents you may need to apply.
Kind regards,
Imogen
FLAT IS TO BIG
MY HUSBAND IS RECOVERING FROM A MAJOR Operation AND IS 78 AND A UPSTAIR FLAT IS TO MUCH FOR HIM WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A OLD PEOPLE Bungalow
Hi Mary, More information about how the Dorset Council housing register and choice based lettings scheme is available here: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/housing-register
Imogen
Always struggle getting on the site, page always fails to load
Sorry to hear that Melissa. Can you let us know which page is causing the problem and we can have a look. Kind regards, Sarah.