Prioritisation criteria
3.1 There are two considerations that will inform the prioritisation of households for the allocation of properties:
- Local connection
- Economic activity.
3.2 A) Local connection
Priority will be given to households with a local connection to Bourne ward and East and West Peckham, Mereworth and Wateringbury ward, in line with the definition of local connection in the Council’s Housing Allocation Scheme.
3.3 Households in temporary accommodation (TA) will have their local connection considered based on their last settled accommodation before placement in TA, or through family. This is to ensure they are treated fairly, regardless of where they are placed in TA.
3.4 B) Economic Activity
This plan aims for 50% of homes to be let to economically active households; where the lead or joint applicant is permanently employed or in work-based training.
Applicants will be required to evidence their employment or training information to West Kent as part of the offer and pre-tenancy checks.
3.5 Households not able to be economically active because they are not working age, are full time carers, due to a disability or impairment, will not have the economically active element of priority considered, i.e. they will be treated in a neutral way and not bypassed due to not working should they be next in line to be offered once the other criteria of this local lettings plan has been applied.
3.6 If no households meet local connection prioritisation criteria (A) or once all those with this prioritisation have been exhausted on a relevant shortlist then the LLP will not apply.