Update to our Housing Allocations Policy

We’ve recently made changes to our Housing Allocations Policy.

Demand for Anchor properties remains high and these changes ensure that available homes are allocated to those with the most urgent housing needs. They also prioritise support for existing residents whose current home no longer meets their housing needs. These updates help us allocate homes responsibly, transparently and with care.

These changes follow a review of the policy last summer, where we engaged with residents to understand their views on how empty homes should be allocated. As a result, we’ve made changes to the eligibility criteria for those wishing to move from one Anchor property to another. We remain committed to supporting residents to move home when they really need to.

Who will now be given priority for moving to a different Anchor home?

Under the updated policy, we will fully support residents who need to move because of:

• Mobility needs - residents with restricted mobility living in upper floor flats without lift access and can no longer manage the stairs.
• Adaptation needs - residents who require adaptations that can’t reasonably be made to their current home, or where another home is available with suitable adaptations.
• Medical needs - sometimes a resident has a medical condition that can only be improved by moving home, for example where an additional bedroom is needed.
• Safety reasons - residents may need to move home to be safe if they have experienced harassment or domestic abuse.
• Location needs - residents who need to relocate to be closer to essential care and support, or closer to their place of work.

What does this mean for other residents wanting to move?

Residents whose housing needs do not fall within the priority categories above may no longer be eligible to move to another Anchor property.

We have written to all residents affected by this change and shared alternative options, such as using www.homeswapper.co.uk. If an individual’s circumstances change in future, we can revisit their application to move within Anchor.

We understand that moving home is an important decision, and these changes may feel disappointing to some. However, they ensure that our limited number of homes are offered to those who need them most.