Proposed changes to the Property Pool Plus (PPP) Allocation Scheme Rules have been approved at a full Council meeting.
Property Pool Plus is a choice-based lettings service that helps people find affordable housing in Knowsley and other areas of the City Region.
The proposed changes to the housing allocations scheme follows consultation with local authorities including Knowsley, registered housing providers, existing Property Pool Plus applicants and other stakeholders such as Citizens Advice Bureau.
The focus of the changes has been to make the application process fairer, clearer and more accessible to everyone.
The recommendations will have a positive impact on priorities set out in the Knowsley Council Plan 2025-2030, specifically related to delivering targeted support to encourage fairness and opportunity for all.
Through the implementation of the revised allocation scheme rules proposed, it is anticipated the Council and Registered Provider partners will be able to make best use of the homes available, with properties allocated to those residents who are deemed to have the greatest need.
The proposed changes will also improve the delivery of the scheme, allowing for residents to have fair access to housing.
The proposed main changes to the Allocation Scheme are:
- Awarding of Band A priority for those in commissioned supported homeless/ hostel accommodation who are ready for move on
- Amendments to the Discretion Criteria, e.g. providing protection to people who need to move away from another local authority area, to escape violence, harm, or intimidation
- Reintroduction of Cross Boundary Mobility threshold, so that a 5% cap is reintroduced for applicants from outside the borough.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “These proposed changes will look to deliver a fairer and clearer system and ensure properties are allocated to those residents in greatest need.”
You can read the full report here.