Proposed Housing Allocation Scheme
Question 1
This question relates to the priority banding criteria outlined in Section 5 of the proposed Housing Allocation Scheme for North Northamptonshire.
Across the country, more people need affordable housing than there are homes available. Councils must legally prioritise those with specific housing needs, called “reasonable preference” categories.
If someone does not meet these categories, they are very unlikely to be offered housing through the Council’s register. To reflect this, the proposed scheme suggests a change.
Applicants without a defined housing need (see Section 5) will no longer be able to join the Council’s register. Instead, they will receive advice to look at other housing options.
The scheme also updates the banding system. It will move from Bands A–E to a simpler Bands A–D structure.
Band E will be removed, and Band D will be used less often. This helps make sure the register reflects those with the greatest housing needs.
As a result, some applicants will no longer qualify, and their applications will be closed.
These include:
- Band D: Sharing with Others (without Dependents) – affects 1,724 applicants.
- Band E: Seeking Sheltered – affects 1,136 applicants.
- Band E: Local Connection to a S106/Village Exception Site – affects 247 applicants.
In total, 3,107 active applications will be affected by this change.
Figures are correct as of 6 June 2025.