A COUNCIL is to consult housing groups over plans to change the way it allocates accommodation.
Chester-le-Street District Council currently operates a system where the longer someone is on the waiting list, the higher priority they are for a home. No account is taken of need or circumstances.
The council is proposing to change its criteria so that things such as whether a person is homeless, living in overcrowded accommodation, or needs to move for their welfare, are considered.
The council, which rents out 4,600 homes, had been criticised by the Housing Inspectorate for not having a fair allocation scheme and it got a poor rating.
It will now consult tenants, registered landlords, social services, the Citizens Advice Bureau, Shelter, the Community and Voluntary Sector Network and councillors about the changes.
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