Allocations and Lettings: Balancing the Urgent Need for Homelessness Solutions with the Broader Demand for Housing

The social housing sector is currently under significant pressure, with an ever-growing demand for affordable homes.

While tackling homelessness is an urgent priority, it is essential not to overlook the broader spectrum of housing needs that exist within our communities.

As housing providers, the challenge lies in balancing the immediate need for homelessness solutions with addressing the diverse reasons why many individuals and families require social housing.

The Growing Demand for Housing

The housing crisis continues to intensify, and the number of people on waiting lists for social housing is at an all-time high. According to recent reports, millions are struggling to access affordable housing, with some facing years of waiting. While homelessness remains one of the most visible aspects of this crisis, it is far from the only reason why people need a home.

In many communities, housing allocations and lettings are often focused primarily on addressing homelessness, those who find themselves without a permanent home due to factors such as eviction, domestic violence, or financial hardship. While these cases undeniably deserve priority, the complexity of housing need extends far beyond this group.

The Many Reasons People Need to Move

As housing providers, we must recognise that there are many other reasons people may require access to social housing, each of which deserves attention in its own right. These reasons often fall under the radar when the focus remains solely on homelessness. Here are just a few:

1. Overcrowding and Unsuitable Housing One of the most significant reasons people need to move is overcrowding. Many families and individuals live in accommodation that is no longer suitable for their needs. This could be due to growing families, changes in household composition, or simply the deterioration of existing housing. Overcrowded living conditions can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, from increased stress to physical health issues, especially for children. Yet, these individuals often do not receive the same urgency in housing allocations as those facing homelessness.
2. Health and Disability Needs People living with physical or mental health conditions may require specially adapted or more accessible housing. However, health and disability often don’t receive the same level of attention in housing allocations as homelessness. A person with mobility challenges may need ground-floor accommodation or properties with wheelchair access. Similarly, individuals with mental health challenges may benefit from quieter, more stable environments that provide the right level of support. Without tailored housing solutions, these tenants are often left with limited options.
3. Domestic Violence and Abuse Survivors Survivors of domestic violence and abuse are in dire need of secure housing to escape unsafe environments. However, these individuals may not always fall within the same immediate priority category as those experiencing homelessness in the traditional sense. In many cases, survivors of abuse may be forced to stay in temporary shelters or face continued trauma while waiting for suitable long-term accommodation.
4. Relationship Breakdown A growing number of people are seeking social housing due to relationship breakdowns. Divorces, separations, or other personal circumstances can leave individuals without a home, particularly when family homes are shared or owned by others. In many cases, these individuals are not considered “homeless” in the traditional sense, but they are in genuine need of stable housing. The challenges of leaving a relationship, particularly in financially strained situations, can often be overlooked.
5. Employment and Education Opportunities Many people move for reasons related to work or education. Individuals may need to relocate closer to job opportunities, training centres, or universities. Young people, in particular, might need to move to access better educational opportunities or to transition into independent living as they begin their adult lives. These needs may not receive priority when the focus is solely on those in immediate housing crises.
6. Aging Population and Changing Family Dynamics As the population ages, many elderly individuals find themselves in housing that no longer meets their needs, whether it’s due to mobility issues, health concerns, or simply the desire to downsize. Additionally, changing family dynamics, such as children growing up and leaving home, can lead to under-occupied homes that may no longer be suitable for the remaining occupants.

The Moral Dilemma: Whose Home Is It?

The moral question that arises here is whether it’s fair to ask people to vacate their family home, especially when there is an emotional connection to the property. For many, the family home represents years of memories and may hold significant sentimental value. The reluctance to leave can be influenced by feelings of attachment, fear of change, or even the absence of affordable and accessible housing alternatives.

On the other hand, there's the practical issue of limited housing stock. As the population grows and the housing market tightens, it may be necessary for individuals to vacate homes that are under-occupied to make space for those in greater need. This brings about a question of who the home actually belongs to, whether it’s the tenant who has lived there for many years, or the housing provider that owns the property.

On the flip side, the question of "who does the home belong to?" could be framed as: Does the housing provider have the right to reclaim or reallocate housing to meet the needs of others, particularly in situations where a home is under-occupied or no longer suited to the tenant's needs? Or should tenants, regardless of changing circumstances, retain the right to live in the same home for as long as they choose?

The Need for a Holistic Approach to Allocations and Lettings

It is crucial to understand that while homelessness is an immediate and urgent issue, it is far from the only reason individuals and families need social housing. Allocations and lettings processes must be adaptable and inclusive of a variety of needs, acknowledging that people require housing for numerous reasons, each with their own set of complexities.

Housing providers must adopt a more holistic approach to their allocation systems, one that accounts for both the urgent and long-term needs of tenants. A system that is responsive to diverse needs and recognises the importance of offering tailored housing solutions will be more effective in addressing the growing demand.

By breaking down the silos between allocations, lettings, asset management, and development, housing providers can create a more holistic approach to managing housing stock and supporting tenants. This broader strategy ensures that the right homes are available for the right people and that housing providers can better adapt to changing needs, whether through new developments, retrofitting existing properties, or more thoughtful allocations. Ultimately, this integrated approach will yield better outcomes for tenants, housing providers, and the broader community.

Prioritising Need in a Balanced Way

While there will always be a need for prioritising homelessness in the lettings process, we must remember that other vulnerable groups also face significant challenges in accessing safe and appropriate housing. Housing providers should consider creating a tiered approach to housing allocations, which allows for fair consideration of individuals and families facing a variety of housing challenges. This could include:

• A clear framework for identifying and prioritising different categories of need, based on vulnerability and urgency.
• Specialist housing options for people with health and disability needs, as well as for those fleeing domestic violence.
• Increased support services for individuals moving due to work or education opportunities, to help them integrate into new communities.
• Flexibility in the allocations system to allow for personal circumstances and changes in a person’s situation to be taken into account.

Looking Ahead: Creating a Fairer System for All

As the demand for social housing continues to grow, it’s important that housing providers look beyond just homelessness and work towards a comprehensive, inclusive approach to lettings and allocations. By recognising the varied reasons people need to move and ensuring a fair, responsive system, we can better serve those in need and provide housing solutions that address the broader challenges of our communities.

It’s time for the social housing sector to rethink how we allocate homes, ensuring that everyone, whether they are homeless, overcrowded, fleeing abuse, or facing health challenges, has access to the secure and supportive housing they deserve. This is how we can create a system that is truly responsive to the needs of all individuals, providing the stability and opportunity that everyone deserves.

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Kim Parsons

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Email: kim@spirehouse.co.uk