Cabinet Members approve revised Housing Allocation Policy for Pembrokeshire

The policy was approved by Cabinet on 2 November following a detailed review and consideration of recent Welsh Government legislation and guidance.

The revised policy has been developed to ensure that social housing continues to be allocated fairly, transparently and in accordance with housing need, whilst recognising the significant demand for affordable housing in Pembrokeshire.

A principal change ensures that applicants with an established Residential Connection to Pembrokeshire receive additional priority within the allocations process through the policy's banding framework.

This approach enables Housing Services to continue recognising local connections and community sustainability, whilst ensuring that households with housing need are not excluded from accessing social housing opportunities.

The revised policy also includes a range of protections for vulnerable households and those owed statutory duties. Additional provisions remain in place for groups including people experiencing homelessness, care leavers, victims of domestic abuse, Armed Forces personnel, foster carers, applicants requiring specialist accommodation and other households facing exceptional hardship.

The approval follows recent changes to the implementation timetable, which saw the Choice Homes @ Pembrokeshire Housing Register reopen to new applications on 28 October under the current allocation arrangements. This ensured that residents could continue to apply for housing whilst final amendments to the policy were considered and approved.

Housing Services will now begin the final phase of implementation. This includes updating IT systems, testing the revised application and allocation processes, and undertaking further engagement with existing applicants to ensure they understand the changes and receive any support they may require. The new policy is expected to be introduced in February 2027.

Whilst Housing Services will continue to make every effort to support existing applicants through the transition, it is important that applicants engage with the process when contacted. The introduction of the new Housing Register in February 2027 will require existing applicants to reapply under the revised arrangements.

Applicants who do not respond or fail to complete the required steps risk losing their current position on the Housing Register and may need to submit a new application at a later date. We are therefore encouraging all applicants to ensure their contact details are up to date and to respond promptly to any correspondence relating to the transition.

Councillor Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "The approval of this policy represents an important milestone in updating how social housing is allocated in Pembrokeshire. The revised arrangements ensure that housing need remains at the heart of the allocation process, whilst also recognising the importance of Residential Connection in supporting local communities.

As we move towards implementation, our focus remains on supporting applicants, particularly those who may need additional assistance to engage with the new arrangements. We are committed to ensuring that the transition is fair, accessible and well understood by all those affected."

Further information about the implementation of the revised Housing Allocation Policy, including guidance for applicants, will be made available over the coming months.

Applicants who require assistance or have questions about their Housing Register application can contact Housing Services via choicehomeschange@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or on 01437 776603.