Bournemouth HomeChoice’s aim is to try and house those in greatest housing need. We use a banding system based on applicant’s circumstances to give priority. Everybody on the Housing Register has their housing circumstances assessed and is put in a band based on the table below:

Priority status

If an applicant has been assessed as being in one or more of the “Reasonable Preference” categories AND can demonstrate that, as a result of this reason, there may be serious or very significant consequences to their household if they continue living in their current accommodation, they can apply for “Priority” status.

This application will be assessed by the Rehousing Manager. If Priority status is awarded, this will be for a limited time, dependant on the availability of the type of accommodation for which the household is eligible. Applicants with Priority status will be considered before those in the other bands.

There are additional categories of applicants who may, at the discretion of the Rehousing Manager, be awarded Priority status, in order to make best use of Council and Registered Social Landlord (RSL) stock.

Green Band

Applicants who have more than one element of housing need (see below)

Applicants who have one element of housing need where this could cause serious or significant issues (as assessed by the Rehousing Manager)

Applicants who are current Council or RSL tenants, moving to a smaller property (subject to meeting the criteria for the advertised property type)

Applicants who are current Council or RSL tenants, leaving a property with major adaptations which are needed for use by another household.

Amber Band

Applicants who have one element of housing need (defined as a Reasonable Preference by legislation) as detailed below:

Applicants with a need to move on medical grounds. Applicants with a need to move on welfare grounds, including grounds relating to a disability.Applicants who are Homeless within the definition of the Act. Applicants who are owed a duty by any Housing Authority under sections 190(2), 193(2), 195(2) of the 1996 Act (or under S.65(2) or 68(2) of the Housing Act 1985 or who are occupying accommodation secured by any Housing Authority under S.192(3). Applicants who are occupying insanitary or overcrowded accommodation or otherwise living in unsatisfactory housing conditions. Applicants who need to move to a particular locality to avoid hardship. Young persons leaving care or who are the subject of “Corporate Parenting” arrangements by the Local Authority.(Bournemouth Council also operates a Quota system in respect of this situation)

Red Band

Applicants who do not have an identified Housing Need as described above.

General

With effect from July 2009 there will be an important exception to the Banding rules (this has been agreed by the Applicants' Panel and approved by the Council)
30% of all vacancies will be targetted at bands Green and below - this means that if you are in Priority band and you still bid on that property your bid will not count.

The relevant property adverts will indicate where this "30%" exception applies.

This will NOT apply to the following property types:

- 4 bed houses (and larger)
- 2 bed bungalows
- Sheltered accommodation
- Properties adapted for disabled persons

These will still be available to all bidders.