Thousands face removal from social housing lists in Leeds

 New plans could see 18,000 people removed from social housing waiting lists in Leeds.

Leeds City Council says the demand for council houses has increased in the city.

Under proposals, the council would remove all applicants from its waiting list who are in Band C and Band D. According to the council, most people on the waiting list are in Band C and have “little or no chance of being offered a home”.

Pressures on our housing stock

According to Inside Housing, there are currently more than 27,000 households on Leeds’ housing list.

More than 5,000 people are on the Band A top priority list but even then most people have to wait more than two years to be offered a home by the council.

A spokesperson for Leeds Council told Inside Housing: “In the last decade, as has been seen across the country, the demand for council housing in Leeds has increased.

“The more recent national cost of living crisis also means we are seeing more people who need our support to secure appropriate accommodation.

“As such, we are considering making changes to our lettings policy so that we are able to manage expectations and focus our resources most effectively on helping those in the greatest need.

“One of several options under consideration is the removal of applicants from our lower priority bands, band C and D, as well as those who are assessed as being adequately housed. These applicants have little or no realistic prospect of being offered a home due to the pressures on our housing stock.”

Overcrowded conditions who are homeless

The spokesperson adds: “This step would free up resources and help our teams focus on rehousing people in higher need, including those living in overcrowded conditions or who are homeless.

“It should be stressed that, with the consultation still ongoing, no decision has been taken on what changes will be made to the lettings policy. All views gathered during the current process will be used to draw up a firm set of proposals later this year.”

Birmingham City Council recently announced it would consider closing its social housing waiting list to new applicants.

The housing register receives more than 400 new applications a week, while the council is only able to allocate 2,000 to 3,000 social homes to applicants in a typical year.