Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Housing Allocations Scheme?
All councils are required by law to have a housing allocations scheme. These set out the eligibility and qualification criteria for people to be placed on the council’s housing register – its waiting list for social housing. This allocations scheme must also set out the criteria for how people and households with different levels of need are prioritised for the available social housing.
How much social housing does RBWM have?
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead does not own any of its own social housing, but it has access to some of the properties owned by partner registered providers (housing associations working within the Borough).
In 2021/22 RBWM had access to 275 properties. This is compared to 257 in 2022/23 and 165 in 2023/24.
The expected number for 2024/25 is 140. Work is underway with our partner registered providers to increase these figures, but supply will continue to outstrip demand for the foreseeable future.
How does RBWM's Allocations Scheme work?
People who apply to join the housing register are assessed according to their needs and placed in a 'band' or category reflecting that need. When lettings become available, they are offered to the households who have waited the longest in the highest need band. If there is no suitable match for a property in a band, then it is offered to households who have waited the longest in the next highest band and so on.
This does not mean that all available homes go to those in the highest priority bands. There are fewer families in the highest need category, and also not every available property will be suitable for those with the most urgent needs.
Why do we need to change the scheme?
RBWM last revised its scheme in 2018. It is good practice to review the scheme every 3 to 5 years. The supply and demand for social housing changes over time and it is important to review processes to maintain fairness, efficiency, and transparency.