Public consulted on social housing allocation

Local residents are being asked for their views on changes to the way social housing is allocated.

Each year, around 600 affordable homes are reyed out in East Herts. However, demand continues to outstrip supply, with 2,613 households on the council’s housing register at the end of December 2025.

Est Herts council is now proposing changes that are intended to help the council better identify and meet the housing needs of local people, while also making the allocations process clearer and easier for residents to understand.

The proposals include introducing a residency requirement for new applicants, changing the maximum household income threshold governing who can or can't be nominated to affordable housing and introducing a way of prioritising applications into bands rather than using a complicated points system.

Councillor Mione Goldspink, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods at East Herts Council, said: "We know how important access to affordable housing is for residents across East Herts and we also recognise the growing demand for the limited number of homes available each year. These proposed changes are designed to make the housing application and allocation process clearer, fairer and better focused on local housing need.

"We want to hear from as many residents as possible before any decisions are made. I would encourage anyone with an interest in housing in East Herts to take part in the consultation and share their views."

Residents can view the full proposals, including detailed explanations of the suggested changes and the reasons behind them, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, by visiting the consultation webpage.

The consultation will run for six weeks, closing on Monday 6 July 2026.

A report on the proposed new policy, including any amendments following the consultation, will be presented to councillors on Wednesday 14th October 2026, when they will decide whether to approve the proposed changes.

Residents are encouraged to take part and share their views online at yourvoice.eastherts.gov.uk/housing-register-consultation