DISCLAIMER:
This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.
Simple terms explainer
Councils are responsible for keeping and managing housing lists, which are used to decide who gets access to social housing. Anyone aged 16 or over can apply to be on a housing list, and councils must follow fair rules when deciding who gets priority. These lists include people waiting for their first council home and those already in social housing who want to move. Councils regularly update the lists and use them to match people with suitable homes based on their needs - such as overcrowding, health issues, or homelessness. This helps make sure housing is allocated fairly and efficiently.
Legal status
Statutory
Duty category
Housing
Duty type
Organisational
Social determinant of health
Neighbourhood and environment
Emerging policy and legislation
1
Bodies with shared interest
Standards and frameworks
3