Providing homes for families

and people leaving the armed forces and taking a tough stance on people who

cause anti-social behaviour – these are the top priorities of a new housing

policy from Wigan Council. 

This month, Wigan Council is

introducing a new Housing Allocations Policy which sets out who gets a council

property.  The policy was developed with tenants, Wigan Council and Wigan

and Leigh Housing, and gives high priority to people leaving the Armed Forces

in recognition of the services they provide to our country.

Further changes to the policy

mean that housing staff will link closely with the police to identify those

people likely to cause anti-social behaviour. Where the law allows, the council

will refuse to house those people until their behaviour has improved for a

substantial period.

Wigan Council plays a

significant role in providing affordable housing in the borough. It has around

23,000 properties, which are managed by Wigan and Leigh Housing.

People who have their name on

the current housing waiting list will shortly be receiving a letter from Wigan

and Leigh Housing to explain how the new allocations policy affects them.

The policy will also make it

easier for tenants to “downsize” to smaller properties, releasing houses to

help families.

Wigan Council’s Cabinet

member, Cllr Fred Walker, has led on the policy review.  He welcomed the

new proposals: “We have listened to what people want and the new Housing

Allocations Policy will ensure that access to council housing is based on need. 

The policy provides a fairer way of deciding who receives housing and it takes

a tough stance on people who cause anti-social behaviour or have rent arrears.

I am also delighted to see people leaving our armed services being given top

priority.”

 

Jo Bennet, tenant board member

of Wigan & Leigh Housing, was involved in the review.  She adds:

"All of the Tenant Board members support this new policy and the need to

make it fairer for people with the greatest need to get an affordable home.  

We also welcome the tough approach being taken against people who are

responsible for causing anti-social behaviour. 

“The vast majority of our

tenants are really well behaved but there is a small minority who are not and I

am delighted to see the new policy reflects our commitment to act on

anti-social behaviour.”   

 

Jeff Harrison, Greater

Manchester’s County Manager for The Royal British Legion, said: "Finding

suitable accommodation is the most difficult aspect of life for those who have

served their country.  Wigan Council should be congratulated for giving

our ex-servicemen and women the priority they deserve.  I would also add

that anyone who has served and is in need of extra financial help can contact

the British Legion for support”.

For more information on the

new Allocations Policy, go to www.walh.co.uk