FAQs
Why is the Council reviewing the Housing Allocation Policy?
Demand for affordable housing continues to exceed supply. The Council is reviewing the policy to ensure available homes are allocated fairly and efficiently, make best use of limited housing stock, and help households with the greatest housing needs access suitable accommodation more quickly.
What changes are being proposed?
The consultation seeks views on two proposed changes:
1. Introducing a hybrid housing allocation system.
2. Replacing parish-based local connection rules with a cluster-based approach.
Will any decisions be made before the consultation closes?
No. The purpose of the consultation is to gather feedback. Responses will be reviewed before recommendations are made and considered by Cabinet, expected in February 2027.
Who can take part?
Anyone with an interest in housing in Wealden can respond, including residents, housing register applicants, housing providers, parish councils and community organisations.
How does the current system work?
Currently, applicants bid for suitable advertised properties through the Homemove Choice Based Lettings scheme. Applicants are prioritised according to their housing need band.
What is a hybrid allocation system?
A hybrid system combines direct matching of some applicants with choice-based lettings. Under the proposal, households in Band A would be directly matched to suitable properties, while applicants in Bands B, C and D would continue bidding through Homemove.
Who would be directly matched to properties?
The proposal is that applicants in Band A, the highest priority housing need band, would be eligible for direct matching. This could include some households living in temporary accommodation.
Will everyone lose the ability to choose homes?
No. Under the proposal, applicants in Bands B, C and D would continue to bid for suitable homes through Homemove.
Why is the Council proposing this change?
The Council is seeking to help households with the most urgent housing needs move into settled accommodation more quickly and reduce the time people spend in temporary accommodation.
What happens if a directly matched property is unsuitable?
Suitability checks would continue to be carried out before a property is offered. The Council would consider factors such as household size, medical needs, accessibility requirements and other relevant circumstances. Details would be set out in the final policy if approved.
Will the housing need bands change?
No changes to the existing Band A-D framework are being proposed as part of this consultation.
What are local connection rules?
Local connection rules help determine who can access some affordable housing in rural communities. Currently, certain properties are prioritised for applicants with a connection to the parish or neighbouring parish.
What is changing?
The proposal is to replace the current parish-based approach with a cluster-based system covering wider geographical areas. Applicants would be able to bid for homes across all parishes within their designated cluster.
What is a cluster?
A cluster is a group of neighbouring parishes brought together into a larger geographical area for housing allocation purposes. The four proposed cluster areas are as follows.
Cluster 1 = East Dean and Friston, Cuckmere Valley, Willingdon & Jevington, Polegate, Long Man, Berwick, Selmeston, Alciston, Westham, Pevensey, Wartling, Hooe, Ninfield, Arlington and Alfriston
Cluster 2 = Hailsham, Hellingly, Herstmonceux, Chiddingly, Chalvington with Ripe, Laughton, East Hoathly, Horam, Heathfield and Waldron and Warbleton
Cluster 3 = Rotherfield, Frant, Crowborough, Wadhurst, Mayfield and Five Ashes, Forest Row, Hartfield, Withyham and Danehill
Cluster 4 = Uckfield, Framfield, Maresfield, Buxted, Hadlow Down, Isfield, Little Horsted and Fletching.
The proposed cluster map is available as part of the consultation material.
Why is the Council proposing clusters?
The proposal reflects growth in affordable housing provision across the district and aims to increase housing opportunities while continuing to recognise local connections.
Will local people still be given priority?
Yes. Local connection would continue to be recognised, but across a wider geographical area rather than being limited to a single parish or neighbouring parish.
Will this mean people from anywhere in the district can access village affordable housing?
No. The proposal would continue to recognise local connections, but these would apply at cluster level rather than parish level.
Could this increase housing opportunities for applicants?
Yes. Applicants could potentially access a wider range of affordable housing opportunities within their cluster than under the current arrangements.
Do I need to reapply for housing?
No. Existing applications would remain active. If changes are approved, the Council would explain how the new arrangements would apply.
Will my current housing band change?
The consultation does not propose changes to existing housing need bands.
Will I lose my place on the housing register?
No. The proposals concern how homes are allocated rather than who can join the housing register.
I already have a local connection to my parish. Will this still count?
Local connections would continue to be recognised, although the way they are applied would change if the cluster proposal is adopted.
Will these proposals increase the number of affordable homes available?
No. The proposals relate to how available affordable housing is allocated. They do not increase the total number of affordable homes available. However, they are intended to make better use of existing housing stock and widen opportunities for eligible applicants.
What will happen to my feedback?
All consultation responses will be reviewed and considered before recommendations are prepared and presented to Cabinet, expected in February 2027. A summary of responses will be published following the decision-making process.
Where can I find more information?
You can read:
How can I take part if I cannot complete the survey online?
We want everyone to be able to take part in this consultation.
If you are unable to complete the survey online, you can request a paper copy or ask for the consultation materials in an alternative format, such as large print. The Housing Options team can also discuss other ways to help you participate.
Contact the Housing Options Team by email: housingoptions@wealden.gov.uk or telephone: 01323 443380
Can I request the survey in another format?
Yes. If you need the survey or consultation information in an alternative format, or require support to take part, please contact the Housing Options Team. Contact the Housing Options Team by email: housingoptions@wealden.gov.uk or telephone: 01323 443380
I need help completing the survey. Can someone assist me?
Yes. If you require assistance because of a disability, language need, literacy issue or another reason, please contact the Housing Options Team to discuss the support available. Contact the Housing Options Team by email: housingoptions@wealden.gov.uk or telephone: 01323 443380