Important changes to Hull HomeSearch

From September, the HomeSearch banding system is changing.
The changes to the council's lettings policy, by which HomeSearch operates, are due to increased demand for council properties, greater numbers of urgent priority-need customers, and changes in housing legislation.
They will ensure that customers are prioritised in a fair way and in accordance with housing legislation.

What will be changing?

The number of bands will be reduced from nine down to five.
ALL housing applicants will be re-assessed before September on the basis of their priority housing need and placed into one of the five new bands.
This month, all HomeSearch customers (everybody on the housing waiting list) will receive a letter that gives more detailed information about the changes and stating what your new band will be and why.

What if I disagree with my new banding?

We will tell you what to do if you disagree with our decision.
For example, if you currently have a priority (Band 1 or Band 2), many customers will continue to have a priority under the new policy, while 'Special Allocation' and 'Additional Preference' priorities will no longer exist.
If you are in a very serious or dangerous situation please do not worry.
We will work with our partners and the agencies with whom you are involved and if all agree that very urgent re-housing is needed, we will help you.
The groups and priorities are listed below.

Band A -	customers with two or more urgent (or priority) housing needs
Band B -	customers with an urgent (or priority) housing need
Band C -	customers that have some housing need in accordance with the Housing Act 1996
Band D -	customers with no housing need or, those without a local connection to Hull.
Band E -	customers who have been guilty of unacceptable behaviour.

Band	Prioritised by:
A	First by the number of priority needs then by the date the priorities were awarded
B	First by the date the priority was awarded then by application date
C	First by the number of points then by the application date
D	First by the number of points then by application date
E	By application date
Within each group, applicants will be listed in order of priority based on their level of housing need and then in date order. This change makes sure we continue to work with customers in a fair way and in accordance with Housing Law.

New bandings - how you can help us to help you

This is where we need your help.
We would really appreciate it if you did not contact us at the moment to ask how your housing application is going to be affected by the changes.
Until we have reviewed all the applications we cannot tell you whether or not you will keep your priority.
In the meantime, continue to bid regularly to maximise your chances of making a successful bid, before the lettings policy changes in September and wait for your letter.