View Full Version : Re: Sheffield Council Housing- Priority for overcrowding


Miss_S_83
24-08-2007, 20:50
Hi all,

Well it seems that the council are to go through some rule changes regarding overcrowding so in a few weeks or months I think I will qualify which is good news for me as I was starting to worry about still having my LO in my room with me after the age of 1 which she is now.
Just wondered- I know that there are so many priority cases for different reasons now, does anyone have any experiences? I basically was told it will be a good few weeks until a decision is made although it is pretty straight forwarf, which is ok by me-better than years as I thought i would be waiting. Then I would be on a 'city-wide' scheme meaning I could be allocated a property anywhere in the city, even though friends, family etc. all over this side. I understand that you are expected to bid (which I do) on ALL the properties suitable- e.g. for me, any 2 bed that allows children. Obviously I do not bid on them all as some aren't in areas I would want to live but they say with priority, that THEY bid on your behalf for properties you haven't bidded for yourself. You are offered one and one only I think (eventually), and I am not sure what happens if you refuse it (worst case scenario), as I would still be living in a property too small but probably seen as not desperate, if I don't want to live in a particular property or area (hopefully this won't happen)??
Any experiences of people with priority for overcrowding reasons, would be great. This isn't a moan or anything as I am happy to have any sort of priority- I didn't think that would happen at all, I am just dreading what happens if I am offered somewhere I really don't want as I wouldn't want to be stuck here either but I do think they should give you a say in at least the areas you want to bid on if not the properties, as it is my bad luck if that takes longer for me too get somewhere, no-one elses.
:)

Ms Macbeth
24-08-2007, 21:19
Priority for overcrowding is given when a family needs a bigger home. Basically it lasts for 6 weeks, and in that period you should be bidding for everything that is suitable. If at the end of the 6 weeks you haven't got an offer, then your case will be looked at. If there hasn't been anything suitable, or you've bid on everything the right size but other bidders get them, you'll probably get your time extended. If you haven't bid on properties that would have been suitable, then its possible one may be found for you or your priority may be cancelled.

Unfortunately there is currently a shortage of council properties in relation to all the people who are in need of one, so holding out for specific areas can be a risk. Have a look at page 22 of the lettings policy, its there in detail. http://www.sheffieldpropertyshop.org.uk/resources/Lettings%20Policy%20document.pdf?ID=2C287369169B4A CCB52138AC767BB77F