28 February 2022
Your request
I understand that under the Localism Act 2011, local authorities can identify groups who will not qualify for an allocation of social housing. I understand that based on the information on a document dated in 2013, the requirement for the 'continuous number of years' living in the area is 24 months.
However,
1. How do you define 'local connection' besides continuously living in the area?
2. What was the policy like in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively? What is the requirement for the 'continuous number of years' living in the area during those years?
3. Are there any policy documents that you can refer me too?
Our response
This information is included in the Lambeth Housing Allocation Scheme 2013 (version 4.2), which is here: https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2021-10/Housing_Allocation_Scheme_2013_v4.2.pdf
See in particular the chapter entitled “Local Connection”.
The Scheme includes a change log of all changes since it's introduction in November 2013.
Attached is copy of our Housing Allocation Scheme that applied between 2008-2013. This also has a change log. Again, please see the chapter entitled “Local Connection”.
In summary:
- This is set out in the chapter entitled “Local Connection” of the Housing Allocation Scheme
- The current Scheme covers November 2013 onwards. There has been no change to the length of the continuous residency requirement since then, but there have been changes to other aspects of local connection. These are noted in the change log. There was no continuous residency requirement under the previous Scheme from 2011-2013.
- All the information is in the Housing Allocation Scheme