Help shape our Allocations Policy 

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We want to hear your views on proposed changes to Gentoo's Allocations Policy. 

The Allocations Policy explains who can join our housing register and how we decide who is offered a home. It helps make sure homes are allocated fairly, openly and based on housing need. 

The policy was last fully reviewed in 2024. Since then, there have been changes to housing policies, regulatory expectations and feedback from customers, colleagues and partner organisations. We have taken this opportunity to review the policy to make sure it remains fair, easy to understand and continues to meet the needs of our communities. 

Our review has been informed by: 

  • Feedback from customers and colleagues
  • Learning from housing cases and appeals
  • Good practice from other housing providers
  • Sunderland City Council's Allocations Policy and other local authority partners
  • National housing research and guidance
  • Regulatory reviews and assurance activity
  • Consideration of how easy the policy is for customers to understand and access

What changes are we proposing? 

Making the policy more transparent 

We want to make it easier for customers to understand how decisions are made and how they can challenge a decision if they disagree with it. 

We are proposing to: 

  • Make clear the process for priority bands to be awarded 
  • Improve information about the appeals and review process

Improving the Customer Journey 

We know that waiting times for housing can often be longer than the period between banding reviews. 

We are proposing to: 

  • Review priority bandings less frequently, unless a customer's circumstances change
  • Give customers greater certainty about their application
  • Reduce unnecessary reassessments and administration

Working more closely with Local Authority Partners 

We are proposing to introduce a local connection requirement when people first apply to join the housing register. 

A local connection may be based on factors such as: 

  • Living in the area
  • Working in the area
  • Attending education in the area
  • Close family relationships
  • Existing support networks

This would help ensure that limited housing resources are prioritised for people with an established connection to the area and who are more likely to be able to sustain a tenancy successfully. 

We are also exploring ways to work more closely with local councils in the areas where Gentoo has homes. By improving how we work together, we hope to reduce duplication, make the housing application process simpler and provide a more joined-up service for customers.

Potential benefits could include: 

  • Reducing the need for customers to provide the same information more than once
  • Making housing processes simpler and easier to understand
  • Improving communication between organisations
  • Helping customers access housing advice and support more easily
  • Creating a more consistent customer experience

Making best use of available homes 

We want to make sure the right homes are available to the people who need them most. 

We are proposing to: 

  • Extend priority for mobility and accessibility needs to all eligible applicants, not only existing Gentoo customers. 
  • Provide greater flexibility in how properties are matched, giving customers more housing options where appropriate. 
  • Update language around "right sizing" (see definition) to better reflect customer needs and national good practice. 
  • Include a commitment to explore future initiatives that help make best use of available housing, such as approaches that create more housing opportunities for customers. 

Promoting fairness and affordability 

Social housing is a limited resource and should be prioritised for those who need it most. 

We are considering introducing limits on the amount of equity, assets or savings an applicant can hold and still qualify for social housing. We are currently seeking further guidance before finalising any proposed thresholds. 

If introduced, this would help ensure available homes are prioritised for households with the greatest housing need. 

 

Helpful definitions 

Local Connection

A meaningful and established link to an area through residence, employment, education, family relationships or support networks. 

Mobility Needs

Where an applicant has limited physical mobility, a degenerative condition or requires specialist or adapted accommodation. 

Nomination Agreement

An agreement between Gentoo and a local authority that allows households from a local authority housing register or homelessness service to be considered for suitable homes. 

Equity, Assets and Savings

The money or assets an applicant may own, including property equity and savings. Proposed limits would help ensure social housing is available to those with the greatest housing need. 

Right Sizing

Helping customers live in a home that is suitable for their current household size and needs while making the best use of available housing stock. 

 

Have your say 

Your feedback is important and will help shape the final policy. We would like to understand whether you feel these proposed changes are fair, clear and supportive of those most in need of housing. 

We welcome your comments, suggestions and any concerns you may have before the policy is finalised.