Residents are being invited to contribute to an important consultation that could change how council housing is allocated across the Mansfield and Ashfield districts.
Mansfield and Ashfield District Councils are reviewing their Homefinder Lettings Policy for the first time since 2018.
With growing demand for social housing and fewer properties becoming available, the review aims to ensure that homes are allocated fairly and efficiently to those who need them most.
The six-week consultation was launched on 16 June and seeks views on a range of proposals including:
- Who should be eligible to join the councils’ Housing Register
- How priority is awarded for those accepted on to the list
- How adapted properties are allocated
- Changes to bedroom eligibility and succession rights to tenancies.
Cllr Anne Callaghan, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Mansfield District Council, which leads on the shared Homefinder services for both councils, said: "We know how important a secure, suitable home is for every resident.
“One two-bedroom flat that became available in the past year had 584 bids on it so we really need to create a more efficient system for allocating the properties we manage.
“The current pressures on council housing means we must ensure our system focuses on helping those most in need. We are asking for as many people as possible to get involved and share their views on how best to achieve this and how we define who is in the greatest need."
The consultation runs until midnight on Sunday 27 July and is open to all residents in the Mansfield and Ashfield districts, including those who are already on the Housing Register, current council tenants, and anyone interested in local housing issues.
Residents can complete the survey online (link opens in new window) or request a translated version by emailing the Homefinder team (link opens in email app).
Once the consultation is complete, the council will use the consultation feedback to review the current policy and implement changes. The new policy is expected to be in place by September 2025 after official governance sign-off.
Mansfield District Council manages the letting of 6,303 council-owned homes across Mansfield. In an average year 225 homes become available. There are currently more than 4,728 households waiting for a council home in Mansfield with 189 in the highest priority need on the Housing Register.