Sheffield Property Shop

From Thursday the 26th of September 2024, we will vary the proportion of properties advertised to Bands A-C and to Band D in line with the Allocations Policy. The information below explains what we are doing and why. It also explains what this may mean for you depending on the band you are in on the Housing Register.

If you would like to read the Allocations Policy you can download it here Allocations Policy - Sheffield Property Shop

The Allocations Policy explains how we ensure that the limited resource of social housing In Sheffield is allocated fairly, transparently, and legally to those customers who access our Housing Register.

It also highlights our commitment to giving our customers as much choice as possible about where they want to live.

It clearly sets out the following:

• How you can find out about different housing options and schemes seeking to make buying a property or a share in a property more affordable.
• How the Housing Register will operate.
• How you will be assessed.
• How we will allocate properties that become vacant.
• How we will work with social landlords in the city (Registered Providers of Social Housing, also known as Housing Associations

The Allocations Policy sets out where a household will be placed on the register dependent upon their circumstances. Those with an assessed housing need are placed into bands A-C (depending on the level of urgency) and those without an assessed housing need are placed into Bands D or E.

How do we determine the percentage of properties advertised to each band?

Section 4.25 of the Council’s Allocation Policy explains how the Council decides which band a property will be allocated to. It states:

• A proportion of the properties advertised will give preference to households with priority (Bands A-C) and a proportion will give preference to households with (Band D).

• Properties selected will be taken from each type and size of property on each estate, as and when they become available.

• To enable us to meet our statutory duties and balance priorities this proportion may vary over time. Four bedrooms, adapted, and other properties suitable for people with mobility needs, are not included in this.

• The appropriately authorised director responsible for housing within the Council will determine the exact proportions and any changes will be openly advertised on our website. This will be reviewed on at least an annual basis

 

What is changing?

Currently using the above criteria, we advertise 3 in 4 properties to Bands A-C, and 1 in 4 to Band D

A decision has been made by the Interim Director of Housing, in line with section 4.25 of the Councils Allocations Policy, to vary the proportion of properties advertised to general needs Band D (Waiting time), and the proportion advertised to priority Band (A-C). The proportion of properties advertised to general needs Band D (waiting time) will change from 1 in every 4 properties to 1 in every 10 properties.

 

What does this Change mean our customers?

• The change in ratio from 1 in 4 to 1 in 10 will mean that some properties previously advertised to General Needs Band D will now be advertised to priority needs Bands A-C.

• In line with the criteria in section 4.25 of the Allocations Policy 9 out of 10 properties will now be advertised to Bands A-C and 1 in 10 to Band D.

• As a result of this change fewer properties will be available for those customers bidding via our General Needs Band D.

• A larger number of properties will be accessible to those customers who have a recognised critical, urgent or moderate priority need to be rehoused in Bands A-C.

• The change will support households with a priority need find a home sooner. This includes people who are homeless, living in overcrowded conditions, or need to move due to health/mobility reasons.

 

Why are we making this change?

Changing and reducing the proportion of properties advertised to Band D was not taken lightly. Like many local authorities Sheffield has seen a significant increase in the number of households with a recognised priority need since the Covid-19 pandemic and through the cost of living crisis. The number of households who are approaching the council who are homeless in need of housing has increased as has the number of households living in emergency hotel accommodation.

This change will help the Council support some of the most vulnerable residents of Sheffield find a home.

 

I am in Band D looking for a home. What support is available to me?

We’ve created a list of FAQ’s. If after reading this you would like to discuss your current housing needs please contact Rehousing Services on 0114 293000. You can also speak to us in person by visiting Howden House or you local housing office. If you are a tenant you can contact your Neighbourhood Officer on 293 0000.

 

What are the other options I can consider if I want to rent a home?

You may wish to consider the alternative options below alongside bidding for social housing. If you would like to discuss these further please contact us.

• Private Rented accommodation.
• Housing Associations, Some providers advertise a proportion of their own stock directly. A list is available here.
• If you are currently a  Sheffield City Council or Housing Association tenant, then completing a Mutual Exchange would be an efficient way to alleviate your rehousing need. Further information is also available on our website Home - Sheffield Property Shop.