Durham County Council LLPs

Local Lettings Policy 1

PROPERTIES COVERED

6 x 2 bedroom bungalows, Gilesgate

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants must meet the following criteria in order to be considered for an allocation of these properties:

  • Be a couple or a minimum of two persons where at least one person is aged over state retirement age (Currently 66 years), or
  • Be a couple or a minimum of two person where at least one person has a physical disability and assessed need for ground floor or bungalow accommodation, and

Applicants will be subject to a separate financial assessment to look at the following factors:

  • Affordability - Can the applicant afford the property based upon an assessment of the applicant’s income versus expenditure on the property and living costs? A full financial assessment will be undertaken to determine this.
  • Has a need for Affordable Housing - Affordable housing, as defined by the National Planning Policy Framework, is housing for sale or rent for those whose needs are not met by the market. If the applicant(s) is able to satisfy their own housing need in the market, they will not be considered eligible for an affordable home ahead of applicants who would be unable to satisfy their housing need in the open market. Those applicants considered to be able to satisfy their own housing need are those where:
    • The applicant has sufficient savings and equity in their home that if sold is sufficient to secure suitable accommodation in the open market i.e. in excess of £100,000
    • Have household income in excess of £60,000 per annum.

LOCAL LETTINGS POLICY CRITERIA

Applicants will be prioritised on any shortlist by band (as per the DKO Letting Policy), in order of those who meet the following criteria:

  • Those with a local connection to the Electoral Wards of Gilesgate and Elvet, and Belmont,

After all applicants with connection to the above have been considered, applicants with a connection to County Durham will then be shortlisted in priority order.

Local connection is defined as:

  • Live in County Durham now and have done so for at least 12 months prior to the application or have previously lived in County Durham for at least 12 months in the last 3 years, or
  • Work in County Durham on a permanent full or part time job for a minimum of 16 hours per week for the last 12 months, or
  • Have a need to live in County Durham to give or receive support where that person giving or receiving support is and has been resident in County Durham for a minimum of 12 months.

EFFECTIVE DATE

  • January 2022

REVIEW DATE

  • This will be reviewed in January 2025