Allocation

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'The allocation of social housing is a difficult and potentially controversial matter, which gives rise to very hard choices, at all levels of decision making, whether strategic, policy or specific’, said Lord Neuberger in his judgment in the leading case of R (Ahmed) v LB Newham. This statement references the underlying tensions for social housing providers where demand for social housing far exceeds supply.

This subtopic aims to explain the process of distribution of tenancies in England and Wales by social landlords (usually local housing authorities (LHA) and housing associations. This process is known as allocation of social housing and is governed by Part VI of the Housing Act 1996 (HA 1996).

Housing allocation scheme

Every Local housing authority (LHA) must have a scheme for determining allocation priorities and establishing allocation procedure (whether or not the LHA owns any housing stock), and the LHA can only allocate accommodation in accordance with its scheme. The LHA must have regard to the English code of guidance or Code of Guidance for Wales in framing or modifying the scheme, and must consult with registered providers holding local nomination rights.

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