Am I Eligible for Public Housing?
Am I Eligible for Public Housing? |
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This topic gives you basic advice about whether or not you are likely to be eligible for Council housing.
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For ideas about other ways of finding a home, follow this link: |
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Housing authorities are obliged by law to consider all applications for social housing that are made in accordance with the procedures in their 'allocation scheme' (you will probably find your Council's allocation scheme on their website, or you can ask for a copy).
In considering applications, however, Councils must find out if an applicant is eligible for accommodation or whether he or she is excluded under parts of the law that cover people from abroad.
Generally, people from abroad who are subject to immigration control within the meaning of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 are not eligible for public housing. Some other categories of people from abroad are also ineligible. However, the National Assembly for Wales has specified groups ('classes') of people who are subject to immigration control but are nonetheless eligible for consideration.
The National Assembly for Wales has specified that certain people from abroad, who are not subject to immigration control, have to be 'habitually resident in the Common Travel Area (CTA)' in order to be eligible.
The 'Common Travel Area' means the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland.
There is a formal test of 'habitual residence' which the Council will apply if there is any doubt in your case.
This is a very complicated area which is subject to change, and so you should check your eligibility with your Council.
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The Immigration Advisory Service has an office in Cardiff. Follow this link for their leaflet: |
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The law also states that the housing authority can consider that applicants (or members of their households) are ineligible for an housing because of behaviour which makes them unsuitable to be a tenant. Your Council's allocation scheme will make their approach to this clear.
If you are eligible to apply for Council housing, you will need to provide evidence of who you are, where you live and what your circumstances are. Although this information may not be required straight away, it will definitely be needed before you can be offered a tenancy.
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Follow this link to details of what kind of evidence will be needed: |
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