How Does The Banding System Work?

Once you have registered you will be asked about your circumstances. If it is highlighted that there is an urgent need for re-housing, your individual Housing needs will be assessed so that you are awarded the correct priority.

If a priority is applicable you will be notified of this award along with the length that the award lasts. You will need to re-apply for this award depending on its limit, 3 months, 6 months or 12 months.

Priority -
Awarded for three months and is only awarded where Wychavon Housing Services Section has accepted a duty under art VII of the Housing Act 1996 as amended.

Gold -
Awarded for 6 months and is awarded for the following:

• homeless households where there is no statutory duty to rehouse
• households living in properties subject to certain enforcement notices
• households with verified high medical need who need to move
• tenants of a partner RSL who are under occupying family housing
• households under the threat of homelessness through notice to quit or repossession, through no fault of their own

Silver -
Awarded for 12 months and is awarded for the following:

• households suffering from harassment and domestic violence who need to move
• households who are, following a visit, identified as experiencing overcrowding
• households identified as living in exceptional circumstances
• households with a child(ren) under 10 and living in flats above ground floor level

Bronze -
All applicants who live, work or have a local connection in the Wychavon District.

No Priority -
This is to include all applicants who do not live, work or have a local connection in the Wychavon District.

All of the above is only a brief outline of each of the banding criteria and more detailed information is available upon request. Evidence will be collected and checked before households are banded.

Your responsibilities once accepted onto the Wychavon Home Choice Register

Tell us if there are any changes in your circumstances, these may include:

• A change of address
• Birth of a child
• Medical reasons
• Someone moves into/out of your household

Deliberately Worsening Circumstances

If there is evidence that an applicant has deliberately worsened their circumstances in order to qualify for higher priority, no additional priority will be given, your original priority banding will remain.

Examples of deliberately worsening your circumstances would include:

• Selling a property that is affordable and suitable for the applicant’s need
• Moving from an assured tenancy to insecure, overcrowded accommodation with family or friends.
• Where there is evidence that the applicant could have remained in their original accommodation.

Appeals

If you disagree with a decision made on your application to Wychavon Home Choice you have a right to request a review of that decision.  

You must submit your request within 21 days from the date of the final decision letter.  For further information please contact Wychavon Home Choice on 01386 565020.