News

If you're on the Housing Register, you may need to re-apply to be eligible for a new home.

You'll have received a letter or email from East Staffordshire Borough Council telling you about new changes and advising that you'll need to re-apply if you'd like to remain on the Housing Register. This is the waiting list for a new home.

What's happening?

East Staffordshire Borough Council has introduced a new Housing Allocations Policy and will be bringing management of the Housing Register and Lettings Service back in-house from December 2026. We currently manage the service on the council's behalf. 

Because demand for social housing is much higher than the number of homes available, the council has reviewed how homes are allocated. The new policy is designed to ensure social housing is allocated fairly and that priority is given to people with the greatest housing need. 

As part of these changes, most people currently registered for housing will need to submit a new application to East Staffordshire Borough Council.

Why are these changes being made? 

The council's new Housing Allocations Policy introduces a managed Housing Register. This means: 

• Only households with an identified housing need and a local connection will be able to join the Housing Register 
• People with the greatest housing need will be given priority 
• All applications will be assessed using the same eligibility and qualification criteria. 

The re-registration process will also help ensure that applicant information is accurate and up to date. 

What happens next? 

There's nothing you need to do right now. 

Key dates and information: 

• Applications for the new council-managed Housing Register opened on 1 September 2026 
• The current Housing Register managed by us will continue to operate until 1 December 2026 
• Homes will continue to be advertised and allocated as normal during the transition period from 1 September 2026 to 30 November 2026 
• The new Housing Register will begin allocating homes from 1 December 2026 
• You'll receive a letter or email explaining what these changes mean for you and whether you need to take any action. 

Please do not submit a new application until applications open or until you've been contacted. 

Will I need to submit a new application? 

Most current applicants who would like to be considered for housing under the new system will need to complete a new application. 

However, not everyone will need to reapply. For example, people who do not currently have an identified housing need may be advised not to submit a new application unless their circumstances change. 

Your letter or email will explain what applies to your situation and whether any action is required. 

How will applications be assessed? 

All new applications will be assessed under East Staffordshire Borough Council's new Housing Allocations Policy. 

It's important to know that: 

• Your current priority band will not automatically transfer to the new Housing Register 
• Some people currently registered may not qualify under the new policy 
• You may be asked to provide supporting information or evidence as part of your application 
• Being accepted onto the Housing Register does not guarantee that you will be offered a home. 

 

Who can join the new Housing Register? 

To qualify, applicants must: 

• Have a recognised housing need, such as homelessness, overcrowding, or medical or welfare needs. 
• Meet local connection requirements. 
• Meet the council's eligibility and financial criteria. 

To join the Housing Register, you'll usually need to have an identified housing need. If your current housing meets your needs, you're unlikely to qualify. 

What happens if I don’t qualify? 

If you don’t qualify for the Housing Register, the council will: 

• Explain the decision and the reasons for it 
• Confirm that you'll not be added to the Housing Register 
• Provide information and advice about other housing options that may be available to you. 

 

Help and support 

If you need help completing an application, support will be available from the council's Housing Allocations Team. 

Telephone: 01283 508144 
Email: Allocationandlettings@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk

Website: Revised Local Allocations Policy and Insourced Housing Register | East Staffordshire Borough Council

Support may include: 

• Telephone support 
• Email support 
• Appointments, where needed.

For more information, visit the Council's Housing Allocations Policy page and read the Frequently Asked Questions.