The Audit Commission no longer carries out research on housing-related issues. This briefing summarises the key findings of our research that related to allocations and lettings.
Choice and flexibility contribute to tenancy sustainability and quality of life
Councils and social landlords have to give potential tenants choice in housing. Allocation services give effective choice when procedures are transparent, understandable, and accessible.
Allocation schemes should meet customer needs and take account of preferences. Schemes’ equality assessments are complete, have comprehensive outcomes, and display effective consultation.
When allocation services work with landlords and other agencies they can deliver continuing support, benefit advice, and furniture provision at sign-up. This can contribute to improving levels of tenancy sustainability and broader quality of life issues.
Tenants want access to clear information and advice
Good advice and knowledgeable staff help tenants choose a home and sign-up to a new tenancy.
Most allocation and choice-based letting schemes have good publicity, and information is accessible to all applicants. However, support is not always available for people bidding for properties.
Allocations schemes should help applicants understand their position on the register and estimated waiting times. Applicants should not be guided to alternative agencies that cannot help them.
Many organisations fail to explain what new tenants can expect. Tenants are often not aware of the standard they can expect of their new home, or their own responsibilities.
Excellent organisations tackle misconceptions about social landlords’ responsibilities to house people – especially teenagers wishing to leave home or teenage parents.
Tailored and personalised allocations services must match tenants’ requirements
Good organisations show they understand the market and housing needs, such as areas of low demand. They reflect this understanding in their application of the allocations scheme.
Some organisations, though, fail to keep an up-to-date housing register. These organisations risk missing households in acute need, waste time and money on households no longer in housing need, and have an inaccurate picture of local housing need priorities.
Sign-up should give tenants the time they say they need time to understand the information given: especially that on their tenancy rights and responsibilities and on the services available from their landlord.
A clear strategy and policies help make the most efficient use of housing stock
Housing associations and local authorities should consistently apply and regularly review their nomination agreements. The agreements should contribute to the local strategy for dealing with housing need.
Allocation services are more effective when their underlying policies are:
- supported by accurate information including costs; and
- shaped by, and agreed with, neighbouring authorities, relevant boards and councillors.
Some organisations try to improve stock efficiency by providing financial incentives to encourage under occupying tenants to move to smaller homes.
Audit Commission resources
Councils, registered social landlords, and other agencies can use previous Audit Commission reports to assess and develop their arrangements.